JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you’re hoping for some steady rain to break up this dry streak, I’ve got some tough news. We’re sitting way below where we should be for rainfall.
Even though we saw some storms yesterday, with flashes of lightning lighting up the sky in quite a few neighborhoods, it barely made a dent in our drought situation. The latest drought monitor shows most of us stuck at “severe drought,” and that’s just one step away from being labeled “extreme.” It’s a big problem that’s not going away overnight.
Mild days, chilly nights expected
Now, on the upside, you’ll notice when you head out this morning, it feels comfy—Julington Creek was registering 62 degrees when I checked. There’s barely a breeze, so it’s actually pretty nice if you want to get moving early.
Looking ahead, we’re forecast to hit a high of around 69 degrees today with clouds hanging in. Overnight, plan for partly cloudy skies and a drop to about 49 degrees. It’ll feel chilly, so you might want to grab an extra layer if you’re heading out early Friday.
Those heading out for a dog walk are in luck—by 11 a.m., temps should reach 64 degrees and you’ll find it mostly cloudy but pleasant. Later into the afternoon, nothing much changes except a mild climb in temperatures, so your furry friends are likely to enjoy their stroll.
Fire and smoke risk on the rise
Given just how dry it is, fire risk is something I’m keeping a close watch on. Dry conditions make it easier for fires to start and spread. That risk sticks with us as long as this drought holds on.
If you notice smoky conditions or anything unusual in your neighborhood, remember you can share your photos with us and our community through SnapJAX at news4jax.com/snapjax.
Visibility is mostly good around the area. Earlier, we did see some fog in Macclenny and down near Palatka, but that cleared out quickly as the sun came up today.
Winds are light—no more than 5 to 10 mph—so you aren’t likely to notice much as you go about your day.