The iconic New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square welcomed 2025 with a downpour, proving that not even a thunderstorm could dampen the spirits of the revelers. Despite the inclement weather, an estimated one million people braved the elements to witness the ball drop and ring in the new year.
A Wet and Wild Welcome to 2025
Early forecasts predicted a rainy New Year’s Eve in New York City, and the predictions held true. As the evening progressed, heavy rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, poured down on Times Square. Major broadcasts of the festivities, including CNN’s New Year’s Eve with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen and ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, captured the sounds of the storm amidst the celebrations. Despite the lack of umbrellas, which were prohibited for safety reasons, the crowd’s energy remained undeterred.
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Around 10:00 PM local time, CBS News New York meteorologist Vanessa Murdock reported heavy rain, lightning, strong winds, and temperatures around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the challenging weather conditions did little to quell the enthusiasm of the attendees, who continued to celebrate the arrival of the new year with unwavering spirit.
Star-Studded Performances Amidst the Storm
The show went on despite the downpour, featuring electrifying performances from a lineup of renowned artists. The Jonas Brothers, Megan Moroney, and TLC graced the stage, captivating the audience with their music. TLC, in particular, brought back the nostalgia of the ’90s with iconic hits like “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls” and “No Scrubs.”
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These performances added an extra layer of excitement to the already charged atmosphere, demonstrating the resilience of both the artists and the attendees in the face of adversity. The music provided a vibrant soundtrack to the evening, ensuring that the celebration continued in full swing.
Social Media Reacts to the Rainy Revelry
The rainy New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square became a trending topic on social media, with users sharing their thoughts and reactions to the event. Many commented on the resilience of the attendees, while others humorously remarked on the unusual weather conditions.
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One user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed their surprise at the weather, wishing those in Times Square well and hoping they had come prepared with rain gear. Another user humorously compared the stormy weather to the eventful year that was 2024, suggesting that the year was “going out like a lion.” These online conversations highlighted the widespread interest in the Times Square celebration and the unique circumstances under which it took place.
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The Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration of 2025 will be remembered not only for marking the start of a new year but also for the extraordinary weather conditions that accompanied it. The event showcased the indomitable spirit of celebration and the ability of people to come together and enjoy themselves regardless of the challenges presented by nature. The rain may have fallen, but the spirits of those in attendance remained high, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this iconic annual event.
