NAS Pensacola, Fla. — (OBA) —   The Gulf Coast is in for a stormy stretch heading into Red, White and Blues Week, as the National Weather Service in Mobile is tracking a persistent pattern of showers and thunderstorms through midweek. Temperatures will remain above average, with highs ranging from the mid-80s to the low 90s throughout the week. The forecast affects Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Pensacola Beach, where the 2026 Pensacola Beach Air Show is set to take place. Residents and visitors along the coast should be prepared for heavy rain and frequent lightning through at least Tuesday.

Red, White and Blues Week runs July 15 through July 18, 2026, at Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island. Hosted by the Santa Rosa Island Authority, the event features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, who are celebrating their 80th anniversary this year. America's 250th anniversary adds to the historic significance of the 2026 show.

Sunday brings a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 90 degrees. Overnight, the chance of rain jumps to 80 percent, with a low around 79 degrees. Monday and Tuesday each carry an 80 percent chance of showers and possible thunderstorms, with highs of 86 and 88 degrees, respectively.

Rain chances begin to drop on Wednesday, falling to 40 percent, with a high near 89 degrees. By Thursday, skies are expected to be mostly sunny, with a high of 91. That improvement lines up with the opening day of Blue Angels week, when the team performs "Breakfast with the Blues" over Pensacola Beach at around 7:30 a.m.

Thursday, July 16, is scheduled for a full practice flight over the Gulf at 2 p.m. Friday, July 17, features the full dress rehearsal, with civilian aerobatic acts beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the Blue Angels flying at 2 p.m. The forecast for Friday shows only a 20 percent chance of rain and a high of 92 degrees — close to ideal for an air show.

Saturday, July 18, is the official Pensacola Beach Air Show, with the same schedule as Friday. The forecast calls for a 30 percent chance of showers and a high of 92 degrees. According to the Santa Rosa Island Authority, all performance times are subject to change due to weather or other operational factors.

This year's civilian lineup is the largest in recent memory, featuring Third Strike Wingwalking, the Red Bull Air Force Jump Team, the B-1B Lancer from the 28th Bomb Squadron, and the 187th Fighter Wing's F-35A Lightning II. The Blue Angels will fly their F/A-18 Super Hornets starting at 2 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, performing signature maneuvers such as the Diamond Dirty Loop and the Sneak Pass. Drones and kites are strictly prohibited during all flight demonstrations.