Honestly, if you were planning on hitting the sand with a bikini and a bottle of coconut oil this morning, you might want to look out the window first. The weather for daytona beach florida today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, is basically a wake-up call that winter actually exists in the Sunshine State.
It's gray. It’s wet. And it’s getting windy.
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A pretty aggressive cold front is currently muscle-flexing its way across the Atlantic coast. While we started the morning with some messy light rain and temperatures hovering around $55°F$, things are shifting fast. You’ve probably noticed the wind picking up already. We’re looking at northwest gusts that could hit $25\text{ mph}$ by this afternoon.
If you're a local, you know the drill. If you're a tourist, well, welcome to "Florida Winter." It’s the kind of day where the humidity makes the cold feel like it’s actually soaking into your bones, even if the thermometer says it's technically "mild" by northern standards.
What to Expect From the Afternoon Forecast
The rain should start tapering off as we head into the post-lunch hours. Don't expect the sun to just pop out and stay out, though. We’re stuck in that transitional "partly cloudy" phase where the clouds look like they’re in a hurry to get somewhere else.
The high today is only going to hit about $57°F$ or $58°F$.
When you factor in that northwest wind, the "feels like" temperature is going to struggle to stay above $50°F$ for most of the day. It is definitely hoodie weather. In fact, if you're heading out to the Daytona International Speedway or just walking around One Daytona, grab a windbreaker. That breeze coming off the Halifax River is going to have a serious bite.
The Tonight Freeze Warning
This is where things get interesting—and a bit sketchy for your tropical plants.
As the sun sets around 5:47 PM, the floor is going to drop out on the temperature. The National Weather Service has already issued a Freeze Warning for Volusia County starting late tonight. We are looking at a low of $35°F$ in Daytona Beach proper, but inland areas like DeLand or Orange City could easily see the freezing mark or lower.
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- Morning: Showers likely (40-60% chance), gray skies, windy.
- Afternoon: Clouds breaking, but wind gusts up to $25\text{ mph}$. High of $57°F$.
- Evening: Rapid cooling. Sky clears out completely.
- Overnight: Bone-chilling $35°F$. Protect your pets and plants.
Surf and Sand: Is it Safe to Go Near the Water?
Look, unless you’re wearing a $4/3\text{mm}$ wetsuit and you’re an experienced surfer, stay out of the water today.
The marine forecast from the National Weather Service in Melbourne is screaming "Small Craft Advisory." We’re seeing northwest winds at 15 to 20 knots, and the seas are building. Offshore, waves are hitting 5 to 7 feet, with occasional sets reaching 9 feet.
The rip current risk is officially "Moderate," but with the wind chop and the "rough" conditions in the Intracoastal, it’s just not a beach day. Even the tides are acting up; high tide hit early this morning, and the next low tide is around 11:46 AM. If you do go for a walk on the World's Most Famous Beach, stay on the dry sand. The spray from the Atlantic is going to be cold and salty, and the wind will sandblast your face if you aren't careful.
Boating Conditions Today
If you have a boat docked at the Halifax River Yacht Club or you were thinking of taking a skiff out into the lagoon, maybe rethink that.
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The Intracoastal is listed as "rough." Northwest winds are notorious for making the river choppy and difficult to navigate for smaller vessels. Small craft should stay in port through late Thursday night. It's just not worth the headache of fighting 25 mph gusts while trying to dock.
Driving and Local Impact
Since it’s January 15, we’re technically in the lead-up to the big racing season, though the Rolex 24 is still about a week away.
Traffic on A1A and International Speedway Blvd shouldn't be too bad, but the morning rain has left some standing water in the usual spots. Be careful near the intersection of Nova Road and US-1, as those areas tend to get slick.
Also, keep an eye on your tire pressure. This sudden drop from the 70s earlier this week to the 30s tonight will almost certainly trigger those annoying "low tire pressure" lights on your dashboard. It’s physics. Cold air is denser, pressure drops, and suddenly your car thinks you have a flat.
Actionable Steps for Daytona Residents Today
Since the weather for daytona beach florida today is taking a nosedive, here is what you actually need to do before the sun goes down:
- Cover the "Snowbirds": I'm talking about your tropical plants. Hibiscus, crotons, and those potted palms aren't going to enjoy $35°F$. Move them inside or wrap them in burlap (not plastic) by 6:00 PM.
- Pet Safety: If your dogs usually stay in a screened-in porch or a kennel outside, bring them in tonight. Florida dogs don't have the undercoat for near-freezing temps.
- Check the Heat: Most of us haven't turned on our heaters in months. Turn it on for five minutes this afternoon just to burn off the dust and make sure it doesn't trigger the smoke alarm at 2:00 AM.
- Secure Outdoor Furniture: With 25 mph gusts, that lightweight plastic patio chair might end up in your neighbor's pool. Tuck it away or flip it over.
- Drip the Pipes: If you live in an older home with exposed plumbing or a pier-and-beam foundation, it’s not a bad idea to let a faucet drip overnight to prevent any freak pipe bursts, though $35°F$ usually isn't low enough for a hard freeze of the lines.
Tomorrow looks sunny but even colder for the morning commute. Wear layers, stay dry this morning, and keep the coffee hot.