WDW Weather Forecast - December 31, 2016 - Jan 16, 2017

[Strmchsr]

I'll update this first post each day with the forecast (though I'll occasionally miss a day), both long and short term. As a general rule, up to 7 days is a pretty accurate forecast, beyond that it's educated guessing and largely dependent upon how well the models are doing at that moment, which is why I call it "voodooland." If you have any specific weather questions or comments, even if it's for an area other than WDW, please post and I'll answer throughout the thread. I'll also post weather tidbits every so often. Without further delay, let's get to the forecast:

Weather at WDW - Update Saturday pm, December 31, 2016
The last day of 2016 will top out at 74 with mostly sunny skies. Pretty much perfect conditions. Tomorrow will be partly cloudy with a high around 80. Highs on Monday and Tuesday will be 81-83 with unsettled conditions. A front will be very slowly moving into the area Monday afternoon through Tuesday. Scattered showers will be possible, though no significant rain. You might need to keep a poncho handy as the showers could be off and on, especially on Tuesday. Wednesday through Friday returns to dry and sunny with a high 76-78 on Wednesday, 73-75 on Thursday, and 77-79 on Friday. A stronger front brings showers and thunderstorms for Saturday with a high 75-77.

Long range...Showers look like they'll linger into Jan 8, but since that's voodooland take the timing with a grain of salt for now. Jan 9-15 returns to dry conditions with a high in the low 70s for Jan 9 then mid to upper 70s for Jan 10-15. Thunderstorms return on Jan 16.

Travel Issues
No major issues today but problems tomorrow are possible over TX, LA, southern AL & MS, and the FL panhandle.

Any of you who are nervous about flying, especially related to turbulence, go here and here to learn a lot about turbulence and other issues that sometimes cause anxiety when flying. Hopefully all of this will help you relax and enjoy the trip to WDW more!

[lawgirl]

Hey Chris! We are leaving out of Memphis on Thursday. I keep hearing rumors of a polar vortex...is that going to affect us at all? We are flying nonstop to MCO, so I'm hoping we won't have any delays. I hate cold weather!!

[cuteduck223]

we are supposed to fly out of Chicago late evening on Saturday the 10th. American is suggesting we move our flights earlier do you think we need to be worried about it

[Strmchsr]

we are supposed to fly out of Chicago late evening on Saturday the 10th. American is suggesting we move our flights earlier do you think we need to be worried about it

I apologize for missing your post. I was away from my computer for work for a couple of days. Hopefully you made it safely!

[Strmchsr]

Hey Chris! We are leaving out of Memphis on Thursday. I keep hearing rumors of a polar vortex...is that going to affect us at all? We are flying nonstop to MCO, so I'm hoping we won't have any delays. I hate cold weather!!

No, shouldn't impact your travel but we'll keep a close eye on it. A polar vortex is nothing but cold air. Has nothing to do with snow or ice. Feel free to check back with me tomorrow and we'll see where the snow line is.

[lawgirl]

Thank you! I'm getting so excited about warm weather for our trip this year. A couple of years ago it was so cold. Thanks for all you do!

[Strmchsr]

Thank you! I'm getting so excited about warm weather for our trip this year. A couple of years ago it was so cold. Thanks for all you do!

It still looks like Memphis will get a shot of cold air on Thursday, but no issues with snow or ice so have a safe trip!

[lawgirl]

Thanks so much!

[JanetMegan]

I was there this week in 2010 with record lows. We were dressed literally in 5-6 shirts each day so I'm looking forward to my long weekend in WDW this weekend Thanks for the report!

[Hammer]

As I arrive in Florida on Tuesday (in WDW until Thursday, then Tampa for Christmas), it was time for me to check the WDW weather forecast as I am in the 7 day window ! While a front on Tuesday isn't ideal, it is better than the high of 39 I will be leaving in Philadelphia!