Afternoon storms and the “plan B” rule
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you’re soaking up another pretty morning on the First Coast, enjoy it — but don’t forget your umbrella later. News4JAX’s meteorologist Katie Garner says that Jacksonville and the surrounding beaches are locked into a classic summer pattern: gorgeous sunrises, followed by an increased risk of pop-up showers and thunderstorms in the afternoons.
Storm chances are highest between about 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and these downpours can be brief or heavy, sometimes moving through quickly, sometimes lingering. Exact timing is difficult to nail down, as the showers can develop unexpectedly, so Katie Garner strongly encourages everyone to have a “plan B” for outdoor events or beach plans. This routine is set to continue not just today, but right through the coming week.
Areas from Brunswick down through Jacksonville are especially likely to see some stronger storms, but no pocket of Northeast Florida is entirely in the clear. Showers can pop up just about anywhere, so flexibility is going to be your best friend as we roll through this classic summer week.
Tropical weather outlook: No threat to Florida
There’s also a disturbance in the Bay of Campeche with a 40 percent chance of development over the next 48 hours and seven days, as highlighted in News4JAX’s Exact Track 4D update. The good news for our area? Katie Garner explains that this system is expected to travel toward Mexico, where it will likely make landfall and dissipate. Whether or not it officially develops into a tropical system, there is no impact forecast for Florida — just a reminder that hurricane season’s always active somewhere, but not here (for now).
Local temperatures and rainfall totals
Early risers in Jacksonville can expect morning temperatures around 72 degrees, with other coastal spots in the 70s and a few inland areas starting out in the 60s. Afternoon highs are forecast to reach the 90s at the beach and the mid-90s in Jacksonville itself. When you factor in the humidity, it could feel like triple digits during peak heat.
Rainfall over the next five days will add up for many areas: projections range from about half an inch in Brunswick to as much as 2 inches in Palm Coast. Precipitation chances today fall between 20 and 50 percent across Northeast Florida, and the daily risk continues throughout the week.
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Enjoy the moments between storms
While the afternoon downpours are a staple of Florida summer, mornings continue to offer amazing sunrises and peaceful scenes along the coast. Katie Garner says it’s one of the best things about living on the First Coast, so take advantage of those sunny starts whenever you can.