Today's Weather - Monday, March 16, 2026
BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — DATELINE: BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Boca Raton will run warm and breezy today with a mix of sun and building clouds, plus several rounds of showers and thunderstorms. A few storms this afternoon could be strong, with the main concerns being damaging wind gusts and small hail, along with brief street flooding in heavier downpours. Another line of showers and storms is expected tonight as a cold front pushes through, then temperatures drop noticeably on Tuesday. Beach conditions are dangerous today with a high rip current risk along Palm Beach County beaches
South Florida is in a classic “ahead of the front” setup today, and that’s why the forecast has both summer-like warmth and a real storm chance. The National Weather Service notes a strong storm system over the Great Lakes dragging a cold front east, with that front expected to reach our area later tonight.
Out ahead of it, winds turn southerly and pull in warm, humid air—helping Boca Raton climb into the low-to-mid 80s while also adding fuel for thunderstorms. The best window for stronger storms looks to be this afternoon, especially along the East Coast metro.
Forecasters highlight that the ingredients for storms to organize—lift, wind changes with height, and instability—are most favorable near the coast. A few storms could become strong to severe, with the main threats being damaging wind gusts (over 60 mph) and quarter-sized hail.
Any storm can also drop a quick burst of heavy rain, which can briefly overwhelm drainage and cause isolated street flooding. Tonight, attention shifts to the cold front itself.
Boaters and beachgoers should plan for worsening conditions. Ahead of the front today, south winds around 20 knots with higher gusts will keep the Atlantic choppy, with seas 4–5 feet and occasional 6-foot sets offshore.
Thunderstorms can briefly produce stronger winds and rougher seas. Winds turn west late tonight, then surge out of the north Tuesday and Tuesday night, building seas to 5–7 feet (occasionally higher) and creating hazardous conditions that linger into midweek.
Palm Beach County beaches, including Boca Raton, face a high rip current risk today; swim near lifeguards and avoid entering the water if you’re not a strong swimmer.
Current Advisories / Watches / Warnings
- High Rip Current Risk through this evening for FLZ168-172.
- Small Craft Advisory until 8 PM EDT Tuesday for AMZ650-651-670-671.
- Small Craft Advisory from 2 AM to 8 PM EDT Tuesday for GMZ656-657-676.
7 Day Outlook
- Monday (Mar 16): Warm and breezy with highs near 83–84. Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms; a few storms could be strong with damaging gusts and small hail. High rip current risk at area beaches.
- Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, especially late night into early morning as a cold front moves through. Gusty winds and brief heavy rain possible. Turning cooler late; lows near 62.
- Tuesday: Much cooler and windy behind the front. Mostly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers or a thunderstorm, mainly near the coast. High near 68–69 with north winds gusting over 20 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Breezy and cool with a 30% chance of showers and a stray thunderstorm. North winds remain gusty. Lows around 59–60 near the coast, cooler inland.
- Wednesday: Cloudy with on-and-off showers and a few thunderstorms possible (around 50%). Breezy northeast winds keep it feeling cooler than normal. High near 72; unsettled weather lingers near the coast.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy and breezy with a 40% chance of showers. High near 74. Winds and seas remain elevated offshore, so beach and boating conditions may stay rough even if rain is spotty.
- Friday through Sunday: Gradual improvement. Friday turns mostly sunny with only a small shower chance early, then dry and sunny for the weekend. Highs rise from the mid-70s Friday to upper 70s near 80 by Sunday.
Get the latest Boca Raton Weather details, including today’s storm chances, tonight’s cold front, and the cooler, windier pattern that follows.
