Imelda brings rough surf, safety risks
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hey friends, Katie Garner here with The Weather Authority. I know we all want some sunshine, but this week, the beach isn’t the place to find it. As Hurricane Imelda turns east and strengthens, we’re dodging the worst of the storm—but coastal impacts are really ramping up.
Our beaches are facing high rip current risks all the way from Jacksonville down through the Carolinas. Wave heights are expected to be in the 5 to 7 foot range, making for what I’d call “dirty surf.” It’s not the kind of day for swimming or surfing, and even walking along the shore will feel those brisk winds.
Wind gusts along the coast could reach into the mid-20s, possibly up to 27 miles per hour out on the beach, so don’t let your guard down if you’re heading out. Even on a dry day, the sea is going to be choppy. I’ll be heading out to the coast myself—likely Atlantic Beach—to give you a firsthand look at those waves.
While we’re lucky Imelda isn’t hitting us directly, the risks are real. Keep an eye on warnings, and if you snap any photos or videos of the surf, share them with SnapJAX at news4jax.com/snapjax!
Rain likely returns for the weekend
Now, let’s talk about what’s coming next. Right now, temperatures are sitting in the upper 60s to low 70s—69 in Jacksonville, 68 in Macclenny. I’m happy to say we’re getting a rare dry day today, with 99 percent of us expected to miss any showers. Enjoy it while it lasts, because the pattern doesn’t hold.
Rain chances are creeping back up Thursday with 30 to 40 percent likelihood, and by Friday through the weekend, we’re looking at a 60 to 70 percent chance of rain. Daytime temperatures stay pretty steady in the low 80s, but those gusty winds will hang around—especially if you’re near the water.
If you felt the tropical moisture in the air yesterday, you’re not alone—today’s a little better, but don’t get too used to it!
Jacksonville’s daily outlook and planning
If you’ve got kids heading to school, the bus stop forecast looks fine today: 71 degrees at 7 a.m., climbing to 83 and partly cloudy by 3 p.m. Playground weather is also solid early, with highs near 82.
Hourly temps climb to 80 by 11 a.m., with little rain expected until the end of the week. After that, bring the umbrellas. I’m keeping watch on anything that might pop up, and you can always check our Exact Track 4D radar for the latest.
Thanks for trusting News4JAX and The Weather Authority. We’ll get through this wet stretch together—and remember, if you know it’s coming, you know how to prepare!