Today's Weather - Tuesday, March 17, 2026
BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — DATELINE: BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Boca Raton is waking up to a noticeably cooler, breezy day as a cold front slips south of the area early this morning. Expect mostly cloudy skies with a 40% chance of showers and a few thunderstorms, mainly after early afternoon. High temperatures will run well below recent days, topping out near 68, with north winds 13 to 16 mph and gusts up to about 24 mph. Beachgoers should take the surf seriously today: rip currents are a major concern, and conditions stay rough for boaters offshore
South Florida’s long-advertised cold front finally pushed through the region overnight and early this morning, and that’s the main driver of today’s weather in Boca Raton. In the pre-dawn hours, the front was still close enough to keep clouds and areas of rain around, but forecast guidance shows it sliding away from the immediate area shortly after sunrise.
That should limit the morning rain window and shift the steadiest activity farther south. Even with the front moving away, it won’t be a clean, sunny turnaround.
The National Weather Service notes that moisture lingers nearby, especially on the east side of the peninsula, which keeps the atmosphere just unstable enough for a few quick-hitting showers or thunderstorms later today and again Wednesday. That’s why rain chances remain in the 30–40% range today, with a similar setup continuing into Wednesday.
The bigger day-to-day impact will be the air change. Winds turn northerly behind the front and pull in a cooler, drier air mass.
Boating and surf conditions are the headline today. Behind the front, north winds strengthen to 20–25 knots offshore this afternoon, and seas build quickly.
For the Boca Raton area waters (Jupiter Inlet to Deerfield Beach), seas rise to 5–8 feet with occasional 10-foot sets, and remain elevated into midweek. The Intracoastal will be choppy at times, especially in open stretches.
For the beach, the rougher swell and persistent onshore component at times will support dangerous rip currents. If you’re heading to the sand, swim near lifeguards and avoid entering the water if you’re not a strong swimmer.
Current Advisories / Watches / Warnings
- High Rip Current Risk from 8 AM EDT this morning through this evening for FLZ069.
- High Rip Current Risk from 8 AM EDT this morning through Thursday evening for FLZ168.
- High Rip Current Risk from this evening through Thursday evening for FLZ172-173.
- Small Craft Advisory until 8 PM EDT Wednesday for AMZ650-651-670-671.
- Small Craft Advisory until 8 AM EDT Wednesday for GMZ656-657-676.
7 Day Outlook
- Tuesday (Mar 17): Mostly cloudy and much cooler. Breezy north winds with gusts near 24 mph. A 40% chance of showers and a few thunderstorms mainly after 1 PM. High near 68.
- Wednesday: Cloudy with a 40% chance of showers, most likely during the day. Breezy northeast winds with gusts over 20 mph. High near 71; damp, cool feel continues near the coast.
- Thursday: Partly sunny and still breezy. Only a small (around 20%) chance of a passing shower. High near 74 with north winds gusting over 20 mph; cooler air remains in place.
- Friday: Mostly sunny after a slight early shower chance. High near 74 with a steady north breeze. Drier air becomes more established, improving outdoor plans compared to midweek.
- Saturday: Sunny and pleasant with lighter winds. High near 76 and a comfortable morning. A good day for outdoor activities, though lingering swell may still affect surf conditions.
- Sunday: Sunny and gradually warmer. High near 78 with generally light winds. Dry weather holds, and the overall pattern looks calmer compared to the breezy midweek stretch.
- Monday: Sunny and warmer again. High near 79 with dry conditions continuing. Expect a more typical South Florida afternoon feel returning as the cool air mass fades.
Boca Raton Weather stays cooler and breezy today with spotty afternoon storms, hazardous surf, and rough boating conditions offshore.
