Let's take a trip down memory lane and look at the top five most dramatic meteorological starts to the new year.

What You Need To Know

  • The first celebration in Times Square was in 1907

  • It's been very warm for some years, like in 1972 when it was 58 degrees

  • The most extreme conditions happened in 1997, and it wasn't just because of the cold

The first ball drop occurred in 1907, and it is a rain or cold event!

5. The warmest temperature when the ball dropped

Picture this. The year was 1972. You have on your favorite bellbottom pants for the big night, and there was no winter coat needed to mess up your outfit.

When the ball dropped in Times Square in 1972, it was 58 degrees at midnight. Surrounded by the body heat of the crowds, it must have felt quite comfortable.

It was also 58 degrees at midnight in 1965. So for some, it’s possible they experienced both of the warmest New Year’s Eves in Times Square on record. 

4. A soggy New Year's celebration

If you’ve never been to Times Square for New Year’s Eve, you might not know this, but umbrellas are not allowed for the big celebration. That means if rain is in the forecast, you better wear a good poncho.

For those who gathered to watch the ball drop in 1936, I sure hope it was a good poncho.

In 1936, about 0.48 inches of rain fell leading up to and including when the ball dropped. Hopefully, those that attended were able to find a spot where they didn’t have to stand in a puddle for hours.

3. A white New Year's Eve

Naturally, next on the list would be the scenario where it’s too cold to rain. We often hear people asking for a white Christmas, but it’s not often I hear people ask for a white New Year’s Eve.

Either way, I’m sure it was beautiful.

In 1948, a blanket of four inches of snow fell in Times Square, leading up to and just after the ball dropped. This is the most snow recorded in the city for the big party. 

2. Okay, this is WAY too cold to stand outside

There’s absolutely no way I would stand outside when it’s extremely cold. But the coldest New Year’s Eve in Times Square wasn’t just cold, it was absolutely freezing!

The year 1917 commemorated only the 10th year of the ball drop in Times Square, and I’m sure it was still a big party. But the temperature at midnight was just one degree.

That’s not a wind chill but just the actual air temperature. That’s also like saying 110 degrees in Death Valley is a dry heat, so it’s not so bad. If it’s 1 degree outside, it’s too cold for me!

1. The most extreme New Year's Eve celebration

You’ll have to ask Weird Al Yankovic about this one, as he was one of the performers in Times Square this year. In 1997, it was cold, but the wind made it brutal. 

The most extreme weather conditions as the ball dropped in Times Square happened at midnight in 1997, when wind chills dropped to -21 degrees at times. 

Have a happy and healthy New Year!

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