Most Accurate Weather Forecast for Disneyland Area?

[Mugglemama]

Is there a specific site (NWS, TWC, ACCUWEATHER, etc.) that anyone here finds to be more accurate/reliable than the others for Disneyland weather? We're coming from Northern California (where it's HOT now) and extended family are coming in from AZ (obviously, HOT as well).

My main concern is wondering if the feel inside the parks will be quite a bit hotter than what the report forecasts? I thought last year there was a thread where people were discussing that.

If the forecast projects 80-84 degree temps on the days we're visiting, should we really be prepared for 85-90 instead?

I know the variance isn't much, but we need to plan for more inside, air-conditioned activities in 90 degrees than we do for 80 degrees. Thoughts?

 

[AmyPond]

Is there a specific site (NWS, TWC, ACCUWEATHER, etc.) that anyone here finds to be more accurate/reliable than the others for Disneyland weather? We're coming from Northern California (where it's HOT now) and extended family are coming in from AZ (obviously, HOT as well).

My main concern is wondering if the feel inside the parks will be quite a bit hotter than what the report forecasts? I thought last year there was a thread where people were discussing that.

If the forecast projects 80-84 degree temps on the days we're visiting, should we really be prepared for 85-90 instead?

I know the variance isn't much, but we need to plan for more inside, air-conditioned activities in 90 degrees than we do for 80 degrees. Thoughts?

I have always found that it feels at least 5 degrees hotter in the parks than what the forecasts say. But that's just my opinion. I have no idea if it's actually true.

When I lived in Southern California, very near the parks, it felt hotter in the parks than at my apartment.

 

[Disney Dreams]

I'm not sure when your trip is, but it has not been very hot in So. Cal. so far this year. Today it was in the high 70s and overcast - so it felt cooler. Last night, I grabbed a sweater when I went for a walk with a friend. The evenings cool down a little.

As for how being in the Park affects temperature: I find that if you are out in the open areas, it can be warm (if there's no cloud cover) because of the ground), however, if you are where it's shaded, it's not really an issue.

It has not been anywhere in the 90s so far this year in So. Cal.

HTH,
Dreams

P.S. abc7.com is pretty good for local weather in SoCal.

 

[Mugglemama]

Thanks both of you very much for the feedback! Our trip is next M-F. I will definitely check abc7, good suggestion!

 

[munchkinsmom]

We use this website for all our weather info:

http://www.wunderground.com/US/CA/Anaheim.html

If you want to get more specific, type in Disneyland's zipcode: 92802, but the above zip (92801) is pretty accurate.

HTH!

 

[Sherry E]

I have always found that it feels at least 5 degrees hotter in the parks than what the forecasts say. But that's just my opinion. I have no idea if it's actually true.

When I lived in Southern California, very near the parks, it felt hotter in the parks than at my apartment.

I totally agree with you, AmyPond, about that it feels several degrees warmer in the parks. And I don't even think it's just our opinion - I think there is some bit of scientific basis to the "Real Feel" concept - in fact, many weather sites have a Real Feel (or similar name) temperature in addition to what the actual temperature number may be (I think Accuweather might be one of them, and ABC too). So there is something to that "feels at least 5 degrees hotter in the parks" theory of ours. It's legitimate. However, I guess some folks are more sensitive to several degrees' difference in temperature (like yours truly) than others who seem to revel in the hot sun!

As Disney Dreams said, the ground in the parks can make it seem warmer (because it reflects heat/sun, soaks it in, and spits it back out at you!!). Also, the fact that you're packed in (even in an open space in the parks) with thousands of people doesn't help matters any, either.

So, yes, Mugglemama, there is a possibility that if the predicted temp says 80-84 degrees when you go, it might feel a bit warmer than that in the parks instead. I wouldn't rule it out.

 

[Raindown]

We use this website for all our weather info:

http://www.wunderground.com/US/CA/Anaheim.html

If you want to get more specific, type in Disneyland's zipcode: 92802, but the above zip (92801) is pretty accurate.

HTH!

I favor this site as well. Great for seeing what the wind conditions are like for later in the day. Helps me decide whether to drive over for some late night fireworks. Although magical doesn't quite get me over there as much as RDCT.

 

[AmyPond]

"Real Feel" typically refers to the Heat Index. Heat Index, I think, is calulated based on temps along with humidity and dew point or something like that. So maybe it's just more humid in the parks, perhaps? I don't know. But it does seem warmer once you go through the gates.

 

[Mugglemama]

I really appreciate everyone's feedback. We will plan for slightly warmer temps than the forecast notes, and just pack in a few extra a/c options (maybe billy hill? we've never seen that....)

Ugh, this schedule is NEVER going to get done (and I leave in 4 days!). I've had to re-work it so many times due to no GRR FP's early in the day, no Paradise Pier rides at night, no TOT FP's, etc.

 

[GrandBob]

Oh my goodness, Mugglemama. Never seen Billy Hill? You've got to see Billy Hill! They're a riot!

-Bob