Braving freezing temperatures and powerful winds, thousands of supporters gathered in Washington, DC, on Monday (January 20) to witness Donald Trump’s historic return to the presidency. The Arctic blast sweeping across North America brought record-low temperatures, with the US capital experiencing a high of -4°C (25°F), according to BBC reports.
With wind gusts reaching up to 30 mph, the perceived temperature dropped to a bone-chilling -13°C. This marks the coldest inauguration day since Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in ceremony in 1985. The extreme weather has also impacted southern states like Texas and the Gulf Coast, with freezing rain and snow posing significant threats. Meteorologists warn that the harsh conditions will persist for several days.
Ceremony Moved Indoors Due to Extreme Cold
For the first time in nearly four decades, the frigid weather forced the inauguration ceremony to move indoors. Originally set to take place on the Capitol steps, Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance took their oaths inside the Capitol’s Rotunda at 12 pm EST (10:30 pm IST). The shift in venue was implemented as a precautionary measure against icy conditions and high winds that posed safety concerns.
Trump Supporters Defy Harsh Conditions
Despite the freezing weather, large crowds turned out to support Trump, highlighting the significance of his return to office. Supporters braved similar conditions a day earlier on January 19, enduring hours of extreme cold to attend his “victory rally.”
Trump’s re-election is historic, making him only the second US president to return to power after losing a previous election, following Grover Cleveland’s comeback in 1893.
Weather Forecast Provides Some Relief
While Washington, DC, experienced heavy snowfall on Sunday, the inauguration day remained dry, with occasional sunny spells offering brief relief to those in attendance. Officials continue to monitor weather conditions as the cold snap grips the region.
The historic event, despite the challenging weather, marks a significant moment in US political history, as Trump’s return to the White House reshapes the nation’s political landscape.