JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – I know everyone wishes I could deliver sunny skies, but this forecast comes with some important warnings—especially if you’re planning to head out to the beach.
Right now, Imelda is a Category 1 hurricane turning east out in the Atlantic. It’s expected to ramp up to Cat 2 and really do a number on Bermuda. The good news for us here around Jacksonville? We got out of this pretty unscathed compared to what could have happened.
Even though we’re not getting slammed by the storm itself, our stretch of the coast is still feeling the effects. Five to seven-foot waves are expected along the beaches, and the rip current risk is high from here all the way north to Georgia and the Carolinas.
The surf is, let’s just say, dirty—not ideal for swimming or surfing. I’ll be out at the beach starting at 9 a.m. to show you firsthand what it looks like. If you’re on the coast, or even just thinking about it, be aware of those gusty winds and rough conditions near the water. These gusts may reach the mid to upper 20s mph along the coast at times.
Rainy days coming back soon
Here’s where things get tricky for planning ahead. While today is giving us a much-needed break with mainly dry skies, rain is likely making a comeback soon.
Starting tomorrow, scattered showers begin to move in—with a 40 percent chance of rain. Those chances rise even more Friday and through the weekend, up to 60 or 70 percent each day. The wet pattern looks to stick around into Monday and Tuesday next week, so keep the umbrella nearby just in case.
For those wondering about temperatures, they’re expected to reach the lower 80s most days. So it’s warm, it’s muggy, and rain is always close by over the next stretch.
How it’s looking right now
It’s a mild start to the day. Around Jacksonville, temperatures are currently in the upper 60s, while the coast is a little warmer—St. Augustine is sitting close to 69 degrees, and Brunswick and Macclenny are close by in temperature as well.
The air feels less muggy than yesterday, and most of us are seeing clear skies, especially when looking downtown. It’s a welcome pause before things start to get busier in the sky later this week.
If you’re sending the kids out to the bus stop this morning, expect around 71 degrees at 7 a.m. and up to 83 degrees by 3 p.m., partly cloudy and dry for now.
Don’t forget, if you spot anything wild or weather-worthy on your own, you can always share your weather photos and videos with us through SnapJAX.