JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There’s no mistaking it—if you were on the roads this morning, you’ve experienced just how thick that fog has gotten across Jacksonville and nearby areas. I saw it firsthand on my commute, and let me tell you, it’s not just the usual mist we get from time to time.
Visibility has been dropping suddenly on highways and side roads, then lifting, then dipping again. I know many of you have kids heading to the bus stop or are driving in yourself, so please use extra caution and maybe give yourself a few more minutes than usual to get where you need to go.
While there wasn’t an official inland fog advisory as of this morning, there is a marine advisory in effect. My cameras at the airport and Riverside showed very dense fog, and the humidity was at 100 percent with temps in the low 60s. The fog has even made airport views hazy, so travel plans might need a little extra time as well.
This fog is expected to lift inland by about 10 a.m., with the marine advisory stretching through 11 a.m. Don’t let the lack of an official advisory fool you—it’s still dangerous out there when visibility drops, so stay alert and slow down.
Expect big swings in temperatures
Now, here comes the twist in this weather story: temperatures are running well above normal. We’re talking about highs in the mid-70s today, and Exact Track 4D shows we could reach 80 to 82 degrees Friday and Saturday.
Our average high is around 65, so if you’re heading out in the afternoon you’ll probably notice just how unseasonably warm it feels. But don’t get too comfortable—this warm spell won’t stick around for long.
As a cold front and low-pressure system roll in, I’m expecting a noticeable drop-off in temperatures by Sunday night and into early next week. We’ll likely see highs dipping to the upper 50s or low 60s, and overnight lows may even fall into the 30s in some spots. Get those jackets back out—you’re definitely going to feel it.
Weekend rain chances and drought update
Let’s talk rain: There’s a 20 percent chance that showers will move in Saturday night as the next system approaches, especially after 7 p.m. The latest Exact Track 4D model runs show this won’t be a heavy rain event, but any showers are helpful given our drought status.
Our drought monitor for the area still has us in a moderate to severe range, so these lighter showers may offer some short-term relief. Once the rain clears, high pressure is forecast to return, drying us out as we move through Sunday and into next week.
Big game and dog walk forecast
If you’re heading to the Jags vs. Bills game Sunday, you can expect partly sunny skies and a kickoff temperature close to 62 degrees. For fellow dog walkers like me, mornings will remain foggy the next couple of days, but things will brighten up by midday with those clouds lifting.
Have a great week, stay safe in the fog, and if you’re capturing Jacksonville’s wild weather, share your photos at SnapJAX!