Record Sargassum Seaweed Season Blankets Florida Coastlines From Key West and Miami to Daytona Beach and Jacksonville With High to Medium Coverage This Weekend
FLORIDA — Beachgoers heading to Florida’s coastlines this weekend should factor in a significant sargassum seaweed situation before making plans. New NOAA data shows large amounts of sargassum seaweed blanketing portions of the Florida coast, and 2026 is currently on track to be one of the largest sargassum seaweed seasons on record. Coverage ranges from elevated to high depending on location, with the heaviest concentrations along the southeast coast and Florida Keys.
Key West and Southeast Coast Facing High Coverage This Weekend
The most significant sargassum concentrations are found along the southeast Florida coastline and into the Florida Keys. Key West is showing High coverage, meaning 85 to 100% of the shoreline is impacted by seaweed. The zone from Miami northward through West Palm Beach is running Medium to High coverage in the 60 to 100% range.
Beachgoers visiting South Florida this weekend should expect thick seaweed along the shoreline, an unpleasant odor as the seaweed decomposes in the heat, and potential skin irritation from organisms living within the seaweed mats.
Atlantic Coast From Melbourne to Jacksonville Seeing Elevated to Medium Levels
Moving up the Atlantic coast, Melbourne and the Space Coast are running Elevated to Medium sargassum coverage in the 50 to 85% range. Daytona Beach and the northeast Florida coast northward toward Jacksonville are also showing Elevated coverage along significant portions of the shoreline.
The Jacksonville and northeast Florida coastline is showing some of the higher concentrations along the northern Atlantic coast, making it one of the more impacted areas for beachgoers in that region this weekend.
Gulf Coast From Clearwater to Panama City Seeing Elevated Levels
Along the Gulf Coast, Clearwater, Sarasota, Panama City, and Pensacola are all running Elevated sargassum coverage in the 50 to 60% range. While not as intense as the southeast Atlantic coast, beachgoers along the Gulf side will still encounter noticeable seaweed along portions of the shoreline.
Swimming is still possible at most locations, but itchy rashes from organisms in the seaweed are a real concern. Rinsing off thoroughly after leaving the water is strongly recommended. Stay with NapervilleLocal.com for the latest weather updates and local forecast coverage.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.