Visitors heading to Disney World this week may want to prepare for chilly conditions as Orlando, Florida, is experiencing a rare cold front this week, bringing temperatures well below the seasonal average, according to a pricing culture analysis provided to Newsweek.
Why It Matters
Unusually cold temperatures in central Florida have led to winter weather advisories, with rain and strong winds adding to the winter-like conditions. Visitors to Disney World and surrounding attractions are urged to prepare for cooler temperatures than typical for this time of year. The cold snap is part of a broader weather pattern bringing rare winter weather to parts of the southeastern United States.
What To Know
The cold front has driven temperatures down to an average of 49°F on Tuesday, a significant 11.5°F drop from the five-year historical average of 60.5°F. According to a pricing culture analysis provided to Newsweek, rainfall is expected to be heavy, with a 97 percent chance of precipitation throughout the day, and wind chill values as low as 33°F.
What's The Forecast For The Rest Of The Week?
Rain and chilly conditions are expected to persist throughout the week, making it one of the coldest stretches in recent years. According to a pricing culture analysis, the extended forecast for Orlando shows continued rain chances with a high of 51°F, low of 48°F, with a 70 percent chance of rain on Wednesday and a high of 52°F, with a 50 percent chance of precipitation on Thursday.
However, this cold pattern extends beyond Orlando, with winter storm warnings issued for parts of the Gulf Coast, bringing snow and ice to states like Texas, Louisiana and Georgia and is expected to continue into Wednesday.
Florida Counties Under Winter Storm Warnings
This also comes as dozens of Florida counties are under winter storm warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) early on Tuesday, as bitter cold and snow was forecast for parts of the South.
Earlier on Tuesday, more than 30 counties in North Florida and the Panhandle were under winter storm warning from the NWS.
These included Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Dixie, Lafayette, Suwannee, Hamilton, Columbia, Gilchrist, Alachua, Union, Baker, Bradford, Putnam, Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties.
A forecast from AccuWeather, shared with Newsweek, showed that around 1-3 inches were expected for much of the Florida Panhandle.
What People Are Saying
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday: "Dangerously cold temperatures are being felt across North Florida this week, with possibilities of snow and black ice.
"At my direction, @FLSERT is monitoring this system closely, and @MyFDOT is on standby with snow plows and other equipment for road and bridge safety needs.
Please stay attentive to weather conditions and safety alerts from local and state officials. Also, please be careful in icy conditions, especially on the roadways."
NWS Jacksonville said on X: "Winter Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Warning for all of SE, GA and a portion of interior NE, FL. Reminder that forecast values can and will change as the system comes into better focus of the next 18 to 24 hrs."
What Happens Next
Temperatures are expected to gradually warm up in the Orlando region by the weekend, with highs returning to the mid-60s by Saturday. Rain chances will decrease significantly after Thursday, allowing for clearer conditions for visitors to enjoy outdoor attractions.
Despite the cold start to the week, weather experts predict that Florida's climate will return to normal seasonal temperatures as the cold front moves eastward. Travelers are advised to check local forecasts and prepare for fluctuating conditions before heading to Disney World or other outdoor destinations in Orlando.
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