The final months of 2024 and the start of 2025 have brought a frosty chill to Central Florida, resulting in unexpected closures at some of the region’s most iconic theme parks. Now, Floridians must brace for more cold and, in some locations, snow.
Multiple closures across Orlando’s theme parks have occurred in December and January due to an unusual cold snap. A series of cold fronts sweeping through Central Florida has disrupted operations at major resorts, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.
This week, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park—currently the only water park open at Disney World—and Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park had extended closures but eventually reopened on Friday, January 17.
A Record-Breaking January
“Morning temperatures have been routinely starting in the 30s and 40s across the region, and afternoons have often struggled to reach the 50s and 60s,” Click Orlando reported. “Normally, the Orlando area is enjoying highs around 71 degrees at this time of year, so this cold streak is definitely standing out.”
While chilly weather isn’t unheard of during a Florida January, the current cold spell is setting records.
“As of now, Orlando is experiencing its 12th coldest January ever on record, with an average high of 55.7 degrees,” the outlet noted. “For some context, the coldest January on record was in 1977, when highs averaged 50.6 degrees, which is pretty insane for Florida!”
This year also marks the coldest January since 2010, which saw average highs of 54.4 degrees, placing it fifth on the all-time list. And while snow is expected in places like Disneyland Paris, Disney World guests don’t often have to worry about this type of weather–should they now?
Snow in Florida
It may be known as the Sunshine State, but in the next few days, it could be renamed the Snowy State as a cool air system heads towards the major East Coast destination.
“A pure blast of Arctic air prior to the system developing could set the stage for some snow and ice in North Florida early next week,” Click Orlando explained in a new report. “Cold will start to spill down the Florida peninsula on [January 18.]”
While snowflakes are possible in North Florida, chances are slim that the Central Florida area, home to the big name theme parks like Disney World, won’t see Elsa cast her spell this time around.
Are you feeling the freeze in Florida this year? Let us know in the comments below!
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