JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It is cold outside, and I want you to feel prepared this morning! That breeze is biting, and if you’re anything like me, you might have grabbed the wrong outfit heading out the door.
Right now, we’ve got 46 degrees in Waycross, 43 in Macclenny, and it’s 50 in Jacksonville—same on the coast. These numbers don’t lie, and you’ll want layers early, especially as the wind gusts pick up and then settle back down throughout the day.
Tonight drops to about 36 degrees. That’s definitely on the painful side for December in our area, and there’s a Frost Advisory and Freeze Warning expected for Southeast Georgia and parts of Northeast Florida.
If you’re sending kids to the bus stop, remember those extra layers. Even with a quick step out to grab the paper or walk the dog, it’s going to be brisk—trust me, you’ll thank yourself for planning ahead.
Dry stretch continues: drought still a concern
Let’s talk about the big picture: it’s dry, we need the rain, and the drought is still an issue. The Exact Track 4D radar and Drought Monitor both show the same story—almost no help from Mother Nature for your garden or yard this week.
We aren’t expecting much moisture. Out of the next seven days, six will likely stay dry, with just about a 10 percent chance of spotty rain showers on Sunday.
If you’re lighting up a fire pit or spending time outdoors, be extra careful. The lack of rain makes things a little riskier, especially with wind in the mix.
As I always say, my gardening skills aren’t the best—my plants are either plastic or struggling! But if you’ve got a green thumb, you’re going to need to get some hands-on time in the yard since Mother Nature’s taking a break from watering your plants.
Looking ahead: mild weekend, small rain chance
The good news: our weekend is shaping up nicely. Friday and Saturday are expected to feel more comfortable, with highs reaching 62 degrees today and warming up to 68 degrees tomorrow in Jacksonville. Sunday should stay mild, with just a small chance for a shower.
Our three-day forecast has us in the 60s and 70s, a nudge above average for this time of year. Lows are still going to sting—cold mornings carry through Saturday.
After the weekend, when that next system sweeps in and gives us our slim shot at rain, expect a drop in temperatures to start the next week.
Stay tuned to News4JAX and The Weather Authority for the latest. Share your weather photos at SnapJAX—I love seeing what’s happening in your neighborhood!