Frozen Disney World may close as Florida braces for Arctic weather
Share and Follow

An Arctic blast is set to invade Florida, bringing freezing temperatures that threaten to shut down Disney World in the first few weeks of January.

According to AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva, temperatures may drop to around freezing in the eastern US in the first half of January due to multiple cold air masses moving into the region.

The first front is set to hit by January 4, dropping temperatures into the 40s in the south and freezing in the north. 

And the next cold front is expected on January 8, which ‘could bring some pretty chilly weather,’ DaSilva said.

On January 12th, the annual Disney Marathon could experience extremely cold weather with temperatures potentially as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Highs during this time could reach only in the 40s and 50s.

There is a possibility of snowfall in the Orlando area during this cold spell, which would be the first time the region has seen snow since a light snowfall in January of 1977.

Earlier this December, another unexpected dip in temperature led the park to close Walt Disney World Resort’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon — which diehard fans at site ‘Inside the Magic’ called an ‘unprecedented’ event.

While the unexpected weather event is likely to lead to further park closures as well as cancelled or delayed flights due to ice issues, upending countless Americans’ travel plans, local meteorologists can’t agree on whether snow will come to Disney.  

An arctic blast bound for Florida has parts of Disney World's resorts set to close, with temperatures that could leave its water parks frozen. The worst of the downturn could see the annual Disney Marathon on January 12th facing temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit

An arctic blast bound for Florida has parts of Disney World’s resorts set to close, with temperatures that could leave its water parks frozen. The worst of the downturn could see the annual Disney Marathon on January 12th facing temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit

The arctic blast could even mean snow for Orlando, which would be the first time the area saw flurries since a modest 0.05-inch snowfall in January of 1977. Above, a map by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) showing just how unusual thi cold snap is

The arctic blast could even mean snow for Orlando, which would be the first time the area saw flurries since a modest 0.05-inch snowfall in January of 1977. Above, a map by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) showing just how unusual thi cold snap is

‘Remember, when it gets cold around here, the atmosphere typically lacks moisture,’ chief meteorologist Paul Dellegatto Tampa Bay affiliate FOX 13. 

‘Can’t get snow without something falling from the sky,’ Dellegatto noted.

But Mark Wool, a meteorologist and warning coordinator with the National Weather Service’s (NWS) offices in Tallahassee, said that snow was still entirely possible.

‘It’s way too early to speculate whether it will snow,’ Wool said. ‘The real cold stuff is set to arrive by end of next week.’

‘Some models do show the cold air in place and then a weak disturbance possibly generating some snow,’ the NWS meteorologist told local paper the Tallahassee Democrat, ‘but there’s no model consensus right now.’

‘There’s low possibility, but it’s too early to determine whether it will happen,’ he said.

Freezing temperatures could reach South Florida where Disney is located, depending on how  far the Arctic blast reaches.

‘This looks to be the coldest one for Florida,’ DaSilva told TC Palm

The worst of the downturn could see the annual Disney Marathon on January 12th facing temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, with highs in the 40s and 50

The worst of the downturn could see the annual Disney Marathon on January 12th facing temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, with highs in the 40s and 50

Expert observers of the theme park, its devoted fans with ‘Inside the Magic,’ report that Florida’s infrastructure is typically unprepared for this kind of cold weather.

DailyMail.com has contacted Disney World for comment. 

Disney’s own transportation, like its monorails, and park operations are no exception: ‘This often leads to mass cancellations, delays, and closures as businesses and visitors alike scramble to adapt,’ the site said.

While snow has been exceedingly rare in Central Florida around Orlando, sleet/snow and other inhospitable icy conditions have been just a little more common.

Sleet/snow was reported around the area back in January, 8-9, 2010, according to the Florida Climate Center, with a similarly mild ‘dusting’ on November 21, 2006.

These kinds of cold blasts are so rare for the Central Florida area that a map placed it at 90-percent unlikely, meaning about a one-in-ten chance of ever happening. 

Typically, the Orlando area’s winter temperatures float around 70 degrees.

One other FOX 13 meteorologist, Valerie Mills, noted that this ‘extended cold stretch’ will also impact areas across the American South east of the Mississippi.

Potential ‘freeze concerns’ are still possible, she said.

‘We’re still going to fine tune these as we get closer,’ Mills said, adding that there is still ‘a whole other week’ before the coldest days of this arctic blast are expected.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Man rushed to hospital in apparent self-inflicted shooting at Atlanta airport

Individual Hospitalized Following Suspected Self-Inflicted Gunshot Incident at Atlanta Airport

On Sunday afternoon, a shooting incident at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport resulted…
Internet slow? Map reveals which provider is fastest at every Alabama address

Discover Alabama’s Fastest Internet Provider: Unveiling the Ultimate Speed Map for Your Address

(NEXSTAR) – If you’re constantly dealing with web pages failing to load…
Former classmate says suspect in Brown, MIT killings was ‘socially awkward’ and ‘angry’ during college years

Former Classmate Describes Brown and MIT Murder Suspect as ‘Socially Awkward’ and ‘Angry’ During College Years

A former schoolmate of the alleged shooter involved in the tragic Brown…
Why falling asleep on the couch could be ruining your holiday sleep

Discover How Couch Naps May Be Sabotaging Your Holiday Rest: Expert Tips to Improve Sleep Quality

LOS ANGELES — As the holiday season approaches, finding a restful night’s…
The extravagant Christmas gifts the rich are buying

Inside the Luxurious Christmas Shopping Lists of the Wealthy

While some may find their stockings filled with $1 trinkets this holiday…
‘It: Chapter Two’ and 'The Wire' star James Ransone has died

Beloved Actor James Ransone, Known for ‘It: Chapter Two’ and ‘The Wire,’ Passes Away

James Ransone, known for his memorable roles in horror films and television…
When does Girl Scout cookie season start?

When Does the Girl Scout Cookie Season Officially Begin?

The eagerly anticipated Girl Scout cookie season is just around the corner,…
Australian PM Albanese gets booed during Bondi Beach vigil honoring Hanukkah attack victims

Australian PM Albanese Faces Backlash at Bondi Beach Vigil for Hanukkah Attack Victims

During a vigil held on Sunday to honor the victims of the…