Daytona 500: Sunday’s Weather Forecast at Daytona International Speedway

Avery K. Bristow

Published: February 10, 2026 7:38 PM ET

Daytona 500: Sunday’s Weather Forecast at Daytona International Speedway

The NASCAR season kicks off with the highly anticipated Daytona 500, marking its 68th edition at Daytona International Speedway. The race is set to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET, following live coverage starting at 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX and through the FOX Sports app.

Daytona 500 Weather Forecast

As spectators prepare for the event, weather conditions on race day are crucial. The forecast indicates a low of 59 degrees and a high of 78 degrees on Sunday. However, there’s a significant 64% chance of rain during the afternoon.

Possible Rain Disruptions

Rain is expected between 1 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. ET, which could interfere with the race schedule. Additionally, winds are forecasted to blow from the south at 16 miles per hour. The sun will set at 6:14 p.m. ET.

Recent History of Weather Impact

Last year, the Daytona 500 was also marred by rain, leading to delays exceeding three and a half hours. Despite the interruptions, William Byron claimed victory in that race. Recent NASCAR events have similarly suffered from weather-related issues, as seen during the Clash at Bowman Gray in North Carolina, which involved extensive caution flags due to wet conditions.

Upcoming Events Leading to Daytona 500

Looking ahead, weather forecasts for the week leading to the Daytona 500 are mostly favorable. The following percentage chances of rain are predicted:

Wednesday: 4%
Thursday: 10%
Friday: 16%
Saturday: 7%

Schedule of Events

Key events leading up to the Daytona 500 will proceed as planned. These include:

Practice 1: Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET
Qualifying: Wednesday at 8:15 p.m. ET
Duel 1: Thursday at 7 p.m. ET
Duel 2: Thursday at 8:45 p.m. ET
Practice 2: Friday at 5:35 p.m. ET
Practice 3: Saturday at 3 p.m. ET

While the early part of race week appears clear, the uncertainty surrounding Sunday’s weather poses challenges and keeps fans on edge. As always, the elements play a significant role in NASCAR events, particularly in the Daytona 500, also known as “The Great American Race.”