The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a Heat Advisory for all of East Central Florida. It covers the Walt Disney World area and runs from 11am to 8pm today. Heat index values could climb as high as 110° this afternoon. The advisory carries a HeatRisk level of Major, meaning conditions could affect anyone without adequate cooling or hydration.
Disney World Under Heat Advisory for August 11
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- How hot it will get at Walt Disney World today and when the advisory lifts
- What the rest of the week looks like across East Central Florida
- Guidance from the Weather Service for staying safe in the heat
Mercury high temperatures across the Heat Advisory area are forecast to land in the low to mid 90s today. Heat index values, or “feels like” temperatures, could reach 105 to 110°. The advisory covers all of East Central Florida, including Walt Disney World.
The Weather Service’s HeatRisk index places most of the region at Moderate, Level 2. It rates a smaller pocket, including areas north and west of Orlando, at Major, Level 3. Officials note that a Level 3 rating affects anyone without adequate cooling or hydration. A Level 2 rating primarily affects those who are heat sensitive.
Humidity is doing most of the work today. Actual mercury temperatures sit in a fairly typical range for August. The combination of heat and moisture pushes the heat index well above what the thermometer will show. Here’s a look at the graphics put out by the National Weather Service, both for today, and a look at the week ahead.
What the Rest of the Week Looks Like
The heat is sticking around. Orlando is forecast to hit a HeatRisk of Major, Level 3, every day through Saturday. High temperatures will hold at 95° all week.
For those heading out to a Disney Cruise, coastal areas fare a bit better but still stay hot.
For guests planning a multi-day visit to Walt Disney World, there isn’t an obvious break in the forecast. Every day through the weekend carries at least a Moderate HeatRisk rating somewhere in the region. Several days push into Major territory across the board.
Staying Safe at the Parks
The National Weather Service’s guidance is to drink fluids before feeling thirsty, wear lightweight and light colored clothing, and take frequent breaks in air conditioning or shade.
Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. For guests spending extended time outdoors, the NWS recommends shifting activity to early morning or evening hours when possible.
Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke matters during dangerous periods like this. Heat exhaustion tends to bring heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, and weakness. The response is to move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, and sip cool water. Heat stroke is more serious, and it can bring confusion or loss of consciousness. The Weather Service calls it a medical emergency that requires calling 911 immediately.
Walt Disney World’s indoor attractions, shops, and table service restaurants all double as cooling breaks between outdoor stretches of a park day. Quick service locations also offer complimentary ice water. Take advantage of that. That can help guests stay ahead of the heat rather than trying to recover from it later in the day.
Keep Reading
- Walt Disney World Installs Fans to Keep Cast Members Cool During Heat Wave: a look at how Walt Disney World has been helping cast members cope with the ongoing summer heat.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!