Weather
Panama City, FL Wind Advisory Today: Gusts Up to 40 MPH Oct 17
Panama City, FL – Strong winds, dangerous rip currents and hazardous offshore conditions are affecting the Florida Panhandle Saturday, October 17, as a cold front brings cooler temperatures and potent
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-10-17T08:52:21.907Z
Panama City, FL – Strong winds, dangerous rip currents and hazardous offshore conditions are affecting the Florida Panhandle Saturday, October 17, as a cold front brings cooler temperatures and potentially dangerous conditions along the Gulf Coast.
According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, a wind advisory remains in effect through Saturday evening across portions of southeast Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Sustained winds of 20 to 25 mph and peak gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph are expected.
The strongest winds could bring down weakened trees and power lines, particularly in areas recovering from previous storm damage. Residents should secure outdoor furniture, decorations and other loose objects. Drivers operating high profile vehicles may encounter difficult travel conditions.
Coastal hazards are also a major concern Saturday.
A high risk of rip currents continues through Saturday night along beaches in Walton, Bay and Gulf counties, including Panama City Beach, Seaside and Cape San Blas. Surf heights of 2 to 3 feet are expected, with life threatening rip currents capable of pulling swimmers offshore.
The Weather Service strongly encourages beachgoers to stay out of the surf where red flags are flying.
Meanwhile, a gale warning remains in effect through Sunday morning across Gulf waters from the Okaloosa Walton county line to the mouth of the Suwannee River, extending 60 nautical miles offshore. Northerly winds of 20 to 30 knots, gusting to 40 knots, and seas reaching 5 to 9 feet could create hazardous boating conditions.
Cooler Weekend, Then Warmer Weather
Panama City temperatures are forecast to reach 72 degrees Saturday before dropping to 69 Sunday, with overnight lows near 52 degrees Sunday night. Highs should gradually climb into the upper 70s by Wednesday and Friday as high pressure supports dry weather.
October 22–26 Outlook
NOAA's 6–10 day outlook favors above normal temperatures across much of the central and eastern United States. The Florida Panhandle lies near a transition between below normal and near normal precipitation probabilities, suggesting no strong regional rainfall signal.
Residents should continue monitoring updated forecasts as conditions change.