A potentially dangerous weather system is bearing down on Central Florida on Monday afternoon, and Walt Disney World Resort guests are squarely in its path.
What’s Coming and When
Strong to severe thunderstorms are forecast to sweep through the Walt Disney World Resort area between 1:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, with conditions expected to peak mid-afternoon — precisely when the theme parks are at their busiest. Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs, and Universal Orlando Resort are all in the projected impact zone.
Damaging wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph are expected, with a 15% chance of gusts topping 60 mph. Meteorologists are also warning of quarter-sized hail, with a 5% probability of hail reaching one inch or larger. Heavy rain and frequent lightning are both anticipated throughout the window. Temperature-wise, the coldest conditions are expected to settle in between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
The National Weather Service Tampa Bay issued a public alert on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning, cautioning that while no tornado watch or warning is currently in effect, the possibility hasn’t been eliminated:
Thunderstorms will move across the Florida peninsula today, with strong to severe thunderstorms possible. The main threats will be damaging wind gusts and hail, but an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Be sure to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings! ⛈️ #FLwx
Thunderstorms will move across the Florida peninsula today, with strong to severe thunderstorms possible. The main threats will be damaging wind gusts and hail, but an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Be sure to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings! ⛈️ #FLwx pic.twitter.com/ZxwALZRyCT
— NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) March 16, 2026
Walt Disney World Resort typically suspends outdoor attractions, closes hotel pools, and pauses other open-air experiences when lightning or dangerous wind gusts are present. Guests caught in deteriorating conditions are encouraged to move inside — whether that means ducking into an indoor theme park attraction, retreating to a Disney Resort hotel room, or sheltering in a covered common area until the worst passes.
Guests are urged to monitor conditions on their smartphones, car radios, televisions, or any other available communication devices throughout the afternoon and evening.
What Comes After
Monday’s storm kicks off another cold snap for Central Florida following what has already been an unseasonably chilly winter. Wind chills in the mid-to-upper 30s are expected by early Tuesday morning, with daytime temperatures running 20 to 25 degrees cooler than Monday’s pre-storm readings. However, temperatures are forecast to climb steadily through the week, with a return to 80-degree weather possible by the weekend.
Has inclement weather ever impacted your visit to Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments!
