Rose Parade faces first rain in 20 years this New Year’s Day

It has rained only 10 times in the parade's history

Southern California's iconic Rose Parade is bracing for an unwelcome guest this New Year's Day: rain, an event not seen in two decades.

The forecast predicts a 100 percent chance of rain in Pasadena on Thursday, following a Christmas week that brought flooding and mudslides across the region.

Candy Carlson, a spokesperson for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, which organizes the 137th parade ahead of the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff game, light-heartedly remarked: “We try not to say that word around here.”

Meanwhile, arctic air is anticipated to cover much of the eastern two-thirds of the country, according to the weather service.

Rare wet weather is unlikely to keep floats, marching bands, entertainers and others from participating. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

In New York City, forecasters predict temperatures in the low 30s Fahrenheit (around zero degrees Celsius), which is not unusual, when the ball drops in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Light rain is possible in Las Vegas, where several casinos will be shooting fireworks from rooftops.

During Nashville's Big Bash, a New Year's Eve event at a park, temperatures will be in the low 30s when an illuminated music note drops at midnight in the Tennessee city. New Orleans will be in the mid-40s Fahrenheit (around 7 degrees Celsius) for a free concert and fireworks along the Mississippi River.

At the Rose Parade, it has rained only 10 times in the parade's history — and not since 2006, Carlson said.

Rare wet weather is unlikely to keep floats, marching bands, entertainers and others from participating. Carlson said people riding on floats will have rain gear if necessary, and tow trucks will be standing by in case of mechanical problems.

Spectators will need to prepare, too. Umbrellas are not allowed in parade seating areas that require tickets, though the ban doesn't cover people who simply line up along the nearly 6-mile (10-kilometer) route. Curbside camping — no tents — begins at noon Wednesday. Rain also is predicted that day.

“Last year's parade theme was ‘Best Day Ever!’ and six days later it was the worst," said Lisa Derderian, spokesperson for the city of Pasadena, referring to the devastating Eaton wildfire in Los Angeles County. “We want to start the new year on a high note. Hopefully Mother Nature cooperates with the weather.”