Florida’s summer weather is about to become much more intense, and anyone heading to Walt Disney World over the next several days may need to rethink how they spend their time in the parks.
While Central Florida is no stranger to sweltering temperatures, meteorologists are warning that this week’s forecast will bring some of the hottest conditions of the season so far, with “feels like” temperatures climbing into dangerous territory.
According to News 6 meteorologists, a pocket of drier air is settling over Central Florida, reducing the afternoon thunderstorms that have been common in recent days. Although fewer storms could help keep nighttime entertainment running without weather interruptions, the lack of clouds and rainfall is expected to allow temperatures to climb much higher.
Forecasts call for afternoon highs in the “mid to upper 90s across much of the interior,” including the Walt Disney World area west of Orlando. Coastal communities should remain slightly cooler, but forecasters caution that “the humidity will make it feel much hotter.”
For Disney guests, the heat index is expected to be the biggest concern. Forecasters say “feels like” temperatures could range from 105 to 109 degrees across parts of Central Florida during the week. Prolonged exposure to those conditions can quickly become dangerous, particularly for visitors spending long days walking between attractions.
Officials have already issued a Heat Advisory for Marion and Flagler counties. The National Weather Service could expand those advisories farther across Central Florida, potentially including Orange County, where Walt Disney World is located, as temperatures continue climbing into Thursday.
The forecast offers little relief for guests arriving later in the week. Meteorologists expect the hotter, drier weather pattern to remain in place through the weekend, with areas near and north of Interstate 4—including the Walt Disney World region—continuing to see afternoon temperatures reach the upper 90s.
Another factor arriving Thursday is a plume of Saharan dust, which often creates hazy skies across Florida and can make already hot conditions feel even more uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, the afternoon thunderstorms that frequently provide temporary cooling are expected to remain scarce through Friday. Rain chances are forecast to stay low before increasing again sometime over the weekend into early next week, when the high-pressure system over the state begins to weaken.
Guests planning to visit Walt Disney World over the next several days may want to make a few changes to their itinerary to stay safe in the extreme heat.
Spend the hottest part of the afternoon—roughly between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.—inside air-conditioned attractions. Experiences such as Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends provide a break from the heat while allowing guests to continue enjoying the parks.
Stay hydrated throughout the day. Guests are welcome to bring empty refillable water bottles into Walt Disney World, and complimentary cups of ice water are available at quick-service dining locations. Keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion, especially among children and older adults. Heavy sweating, dizziness, headaches, and nausea are all warning signs that it’s time to cool down indoors.
Think about returning to your Disney Resort hotel during the afternoon. A swim or a few hours of rest may be more beneficial than remaining in the parks when heat index values climb above 105 degrees. Don’t expect the usual afternoon thunderstorms to provide relief. Rain chances remain limited through Friday, meaning there may be little natural cooling from passing showers.
Visitors often prepare for Florida’s summer weather, but this week’s forecast could be more intense than many expect. With heat index values approaching 110 degrees and only limited opportunities for rain to cool things down, guests may want to plan around the weather first and attraction wait times second.
What are your plans to stay cool during your Walt Disney World visit this week? Let us know in the comments.
