Before the Daytona 500 even kicked off, weather played a significant role in the preparations. Due to predictions of rain in Daytona Beach, Florida, NASCAR decided to move the start time up by an hour. This isn’t unusual for Daytona, where weather delays often occur.
The 2026 Daytona 500 is set for Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET, with the green flag expected around 2:13 p.m. ET.
Weather Outlook for the Daytona 500
According to FOX Weather, the forecast predicts scattered thunderstorms around 6 p.m. ET and a 40% chance of rain, which rises to 100% by 7 p.m. ET. Expect a high of 80°F and a low of 59°F, with winds possibly hitting 40 mph. A sunset at 6:13 p.m. ET means the race will be under lights if it runs late.
“The longer the race goes, the worse the forecast looks,” noted the FOX Forecast Center. A storm system from the west will reach Daytona Beach by early evening, bringing cloudy skies and temperatures in the upper 70s. If the race runs long, light rain could start around 6 p.m., with a chance of lightning later.
It’s worth noting that last year’s Daytona 500 faced rain, leading to over three hours of delays. Eventually, William Byron took the win after the race resumed. This season, rain has already impacted NASCAR, as seen in the Clash at Bowman Gray, which included 17 caution flags and risky conditions on a wet track.
As fans gear up for the Daytona 500, everyone is hoping for a smooth race without weather disruptions. It remains an exciting start to the NASCAR season, despite the unpredictability of Mother Nature.
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