By CNN Political Unit
(CNN) — Whether you have front-row seats or will stand among the masses on the National Mall on Monday, the weather will be the same: Chilly.
The National Weather Service is forecasting a 40% chance of precipitation Monday, and temperatures are expected to be in the 20s as thousands of people line up ahead of sunrise, angling for the best view of the Capitol podium where President Barack Obama will take the oath of office.
Highs for the day are expected to reach the upper 30s or low 40s.
The advice for attendees is to bundle up, because attending the inauguration involves standing for hours outside.
Obama will take the oath at noon, but with an estimated 800,000 or 900,000 people in attendance, getting out of the downtown area and back to warmth means more time in the cold.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services warned that “infants and the elderly are particularly at risk” of “cold-weather related health problems,” but that everyone should be prepared.
“Attendees of all ages will likely need hats, water-resistant coats, scarves or knit masks to cover the face and mouth, and gloves or mittens,” HHS warned in a press release. “Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers of clothing will hold in more body heat than cotton.
“Perspiration can increase heat loss, and wet clothing can chill the body rapidly,” the release continued. “To prevent cold-related health problems, dress in layers of loose-fitting clothes, including extra socks, which can be removed as they become damp.”
Security in some areas forbids insulated beverage bottles and chairs.
But there is a spot of good news.
There is no rain or forecast for the day, which is expected to be partly cloudy. There is a 30% chance of precipitation in the evening.
— CNN’s Taylor Ward contributed to this report
