News Summary
Orlando, Florida is readying for a travel boom as nearly a million people are expected at Orlando International Airport this Memorial Day weekend. With variable weather forecasts predicting showers and storms, travelers should anticipate potential delays. AAA ranks Orlando as the top U.S. destination for the holiday, with a 2% rise in passenger traffic expected compared to last year. The new Universal’s Epic Universe theme park is also driving interest. As preparations continue, officials urge travelers to arrive early at the airport amid warnings of possible severe weather.
Orlando, Florida is bracing for a surge in travel as nearly a million people are expected to pass through Orlando International Airport during the upcoming six-day Memorial Day weekend. This influx comes amidst a forecast of variable weather, with showers and storms anticipated to impact travelers.
The forecast for Memorial Day suggests that after a quiet start in the morning, showers and storms will develop mainly during the afternoon and evening. High temperatures for the day are expected to reach the low 90s. Outlook for the week indicates that afternoon thunderstorms will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, with similar high temperatures. The rain and storm pattern is projected to persist through the end of the week, potentially intensifying on Friday, when heavy rainfall exceeding 5 inches may occur in localized areas. Gusty winds and hail could accompany these storms.
Orlando has been identified as the top destination in the U.S. for the Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA. Officials expect a 2% increase in passenger traffic compared to last year, predicting that around 2.6 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles from home during this holiday period. This heightened travel is partly attributed to the excitement surrounding the new theme park, Universal’s Epic Universe, which has captured the interest of many vacationers.
Travelers heading to Orlando should expect potential delays due to weather conditions. On recent occasions, some flights experienced delays stemming from a nearly three-hour ground stop caused by storms. In anticipation of heavy passenger loads, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority advises travelers to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to their scheduled departure times.
As Memorial Day approaches, the National Weather Service has issued warnings regarding the possibility of severe weather. Updates on current storm activity and weather alerts can be received via text messages for those in the affected areas. Rain and storms are expected to diminish this evening, allowing for mostly clear skies overnight, with low temperatures dropping into the low 70s.
Looking forward, a cold front is anticipated for next weekend, which may increase rain chances on Saturday but could also lead to drier conditions by the end of the weekend. The upcoming days of intermittent rainfall and storms serve as a reminder for all travelers who plan to hit the roads or air during this busy travel time to remain cautious and prepared.
In summary, as Memorial Day weekend nears, Orlando is preparing for a combination of a travel surge and variable weather. With forecasters predicting storms and potential delays, travelers should plan accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday experience.
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Additional Resources
- WFTV: Memorial Day Forecast
- Click Orlando: Storms Cause Delays
- Jacksonville: Florida Memorial Day Weather
- Fox 35 Orlando: Orlando Weather
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
