Trump Inauguration Day moved indoors due to cold, snow

WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office indoors due to the freezing temperatures expected during his inaugural ceremonies.

Trump’s swearing-in moved inside 

What we know:

The extreme temperatures, frigid winds, and icy conditions expected from a blast of arctic air and anticipated snow over the weekend prompted the move. The Rotunda is prepared as the inclement weather alternative for each inauguration, the Associated Press reported. A final decision would be up to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies in consultation with Trump.

Temperatures are expected to be well below average when Trump takes the oath of office at 12 p.m. on Monday, January 20. The frigid arctic air is due to a polar vortex expected to send temperatures plummeting for millions across the U.S.

What they’re saying:

“The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows,” Trump posted to the Truth Social platform Friday. “There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!).”

“Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather,” his post continued.

Trump also announced that Capital One Arena in downtown Washington would be open on Monday for live viewing of the inauguration ceremonies and to host the presidential . He said he would join the crowd at the arena after being sworn in. Sunday’s victory rally and Monday’s inaugural balls will take place as scheduled.

Trump Inauguration Day moved indoors due to cold, snow

By the numbers:

Saturday highs are expected to be in the 40s. However, by Sunday, snow moves in along with sub-freezing temperatures in the 20s by the evening. “By Sunday we get an area of low pressure just offshore as that arctic air moves in and boom! We got a little patch of snow that develops across the Mid-Atlantic,” FOX 5 meteorologist Tucker Barnes said.

Ronald Reagan 1985 presidential inauguration

In January 1985, Ronald Reagan took the oath of office with temperatures at 7 degrees and wind chills plummeting to -20 degrees, leading to the cancelation of the outdoor ceremony and inaugural , according to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. 

This frigid setting starkly contrasted with his first inauguration four years earlier, when the temperature was a balmy 55 degrees, marking the warmest Inauguration Day on record, according to FOX Weather.