Florida recently broke an 84-year-old record, and this not only has implications for this winter at Disney World but could also impact the summer of 2024.

Going to the Walt Disney World Resort is one of the most coveted experiences for any Disney fan around the world. The Central Florida Disney Park is universally agreed upon to be one of the best places to bask in the Disney experience; one of the main reasons for that is the (usually) wonderful weather down in the Sunshine State.

However, this year, Disney World guests might face some stronger weather conditions.

Florida Currently in Midst of Cloudiest Winter in 84 Years

In the latest reports from Click Orlando, the Sunshine State is currently experiencing its cloudiest winter in a very long time. As some might already know, Central Florida usually sees around 50% cloud cover during the months of December and January.

This winter, however, Florida residents and Disney World guests might have noticed that cloud cover had markedly increased. Specifically, per the article, it had increased to 70 to 80%.

Lol. pic.twitter.com/vZDETtnOdS

— Brian Brettschneider (@Climatologist49) February 7, 2024

The reason for this increase is the weather phenomenon known as El Niño.

As defined by the National Geographic Society, “El Niño is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. El Niño is the “warm phase” of a larger phenomenon called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation.”

El Niño has caused a “very active subtropical jet stream” to blast from the Pacific Ocean over the Gulf of Mexico, causing the observed weather pattern in Florida.

How Will This Impact Summer 2024?

El Niño, despite its effect at the moment, is expected to wane rapidly by the time summer 2024 comes around. The consequence of this is that La Niña—the periodic cooling of ocean surface temperatures, i.e., the cool phase of the aforementioned ENSO cycle—will return in time for the Atlantic hurricane season in Florida.

Of note: La Niña typically brings more active hurricane seasons.

As reported by Click Orlando, “The current forecast from the Climate Prediction Center gives a 74% chance of La Niña developing by the August-October timeframe.”

It must be noted that it’s too early to know what actual current patterns will be; however, guests planning their Disney World visit should keep in mind these possibilities while mapping out their vacations this year.

Further, guests should stay tuned to the forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which will be released just before the season officially begins in June.

Have you noticed these changed weather patterns during your Disney World visit? Let us know in the comments!