Red flag at Pensacola Beach today. Water sits at 77°F with southeast winds at 5-10 mph and 1.9 ft seas. NWS calls for partly sunny skies with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after 10 AM. Air warms to a high near 85°F with a low near 74°F overnight. Solunar carries forward from Saturday's high rating — fish activity should stay elevated, though with stormier conditions building across the long weekend, today is the best window of the stretch.
Is It Safe to Swim at Pensacola Beach Today?
The Red flag means high hazard — strong surf and/or currents are present and rip current risk is elevated. Even though seas read manageable at 1.9 ft, the red flag points to hazards lifeguards are watching closely — most likely rip currents or possible thunderstorm activity. The safest call is to stay out of the water today or stick to wading at the shoreline near a staffed lifeguard stand. With a 40% chance of storms after 10 AM, stay weather-aware and clear the water at the first sign of lightning.
Full Conditions Breakdown
| Condition | Reading |
|---|---|
| Beach flag | Red — high hazard, strong surf and currents |
| Water temperature | 77°F |
| Air temperature | Low near 74°F / High near 85°F |
| Wind | SE at 5-10 mph |
| Wave height | 1.9 ft |
| Chance of rain | 40% (mainly after 10 AM) |
Pensacola Beach Tides Today
| Tide | Time | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Low tide | 12:27 AM (Mon) | 0.35 ft |
| High tide | 2:01 PM | 1.14 ft |
Solunar Rating
Solunar carries forward from Saturday's high rating — fish activity is forecast to stay elevated today. With the stormier pattern building across the long weekend, today is the strongest fishing window of the stretch. See today's full fishing report for what's biting and the best windows.
7-Day Outlook
Today (Sunday, May 24): Red flag, partly sunny, light SE wind 5-10 mph, 1.9 ft seas, water 77°F. High near 85°F with 40% chance of storms after 10 AM.
Memorial Day (Monday): Showers and thunderstorms likely. High near 83°F. South wind 10-15 mph gusting to 20. 90% rain chance — heavy unsettled day.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms continue. High near 83°F. 80% rain chance.
Wednesday: 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, high near 84°F.
Thursday: Showers likely before 1 PM, then scattered storms. High near 84°F. 60% rain chance.
Friday-Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Highs near 84°F. 60% rain chance both days.
The whole upcoming week is wet — today is the cleanest window before the unsettled pattern sets in for the stretch.
Red flag day — stay out of the water or stick to the shoreline near lifeguards. Seas at 1.9 ft read manageable but the red flag means underlying hazards are present. 40% rain chance after 10 AM with afternoon storms possible. Water at 77°F. Solunar stays elevated — strong fishing if you're working from the pier or sound side rather than the surf.