Today's Weather - Sunday, May 17, 2026
BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — A href="https://bocapost.com/boca-raton-news/">BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Boca Raton will run mostly sunny and warm today, topping out near the mid-80s, with a steady east breeze and occasional higher gusts. Rain chances are low for most of the day, with only a slight chance of a brief shower or thunderstorm late this afternoon. Tonight stays warm and partly cloudy, with lows near 79 and the breeze continuing. The main local impact is at the beach: a high rip current risk remains in place, and the onshore wind will keep the surf and nearshore waters choppy
Sunday’s weather in Boca Raton is being shaped by a strengthening onshore (east) wind and a gradual increase in tropical moisture. The National Weather Service notes moisture filtering in from the Caribbean while South Florida sits between two areas of higher pressure aloft.
At the same time, a non-tropical area of low pressure is expected to organize over the Atlantic just east of the Bahamas. That setup helps pull more humid air toward the peninsula and keeps the wind coming in off the ocean.
Near the surface, high pressure over the western Atlantic is strengthening, tightening the pressure difference across our area. The practical result for Boca: a breezy east wind around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts that can push into the 20s at times.
That steady onshore flow tends to limit how far the afternoon sea-breeze boundary can move inland, which is one reason the best thunderstorm coverage today should focus farther west—mainly the interior and Southwest Florida—rather than right along the immediate Atlantic coast. For Boca, that means plenty of sun and heat, with highs in the mid-80s and a warm, humid feel.
Boaters and beachgoers should plan for a persistent east wind and choppier conditions. Nearshore Atlantic waters off Boca (Jupiter Inlet to Deerfield Beach) run around 15 knots today, increasing to 15–20 knots tonight, with seas 3 to 4 feet and occasional 5-foot sets.
The Intracoastal will be a moderate chop, turning choppy in exposed areas at times. These onshore winds support a high rip current risk along Atlantic beaches, making swimming dangerous even for experienced swimmers.
If you’re heading to the beach, stay near lifeguards and avoid entering the water at unguarded beaches. Thunderstorm coverage over the Atlantic is limited early, but winds and seas can quickly build in and near any storms.
Current Advisories / Watches / Warnings
- High Rip Current Risk through Monday evening for FLZ168.
- High Rip Current Risk from 8 AM EDT Sunday through Monday evening for FLZ172-173.
7 Day Outlook
- Sunday (May 17): Mostly sunny and breezy with an east wind and gusts. High near 85–86. Only a slight late-day shower or storm chance. High rip current risk continues at Atlantic beaches.
- Monday: More humid with increasing shower and thunderstorm chances, especially late morning through afternoon. High near 85–86 with a steady east breeze and gusts. Downpours and lightning possible in stronger storms.
- Tuesday: Unsettled pattern continues with scattered showers and thunderstorms, most likely earlier in the day. High near 85–86. Brief heavy rain and gusty winds possible, with warm, muggy conditions lingering into the evening.
- Wednesday: A bit lower rain coverage, but still a chance for a passing shower or thunderstorm. Mostly sunny otherwise. High around the mid-80s, warm night near 79, and an easterly breeze continuing.
- Thursday: Turning a little more active again with showers and thunderstorms more likely in the afternoon and evening. High near 86. Expect quick downpours, lightning, and brief wind gusts around storms.
- Friday: Warm and increasingly humid with scattered storms possible. High near 87 and a warm night near 80. Plan outdoor activities early and be ready to move inside if thunder is heard.
- Saturday: Continued summerlike pattern with scattered showers and thunderstorms. High near 87. Timing favors afternoon and early evening, but a quick shower can’t be ruled out at other times.
Get the latest Boca Raton Weather details, including today’s breezy onshore winds, storm chances, and the ongoing high rip current risk at local beaches.
