JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – I know, it’s Florida and you expect to be cozy by mid-March—but here we are, one degree above freezing this morning in Jacksonville.
According to Exact Track 4D, the early numbers had Jacksonville at 33, St. Augustine at 43, Brunswick at 30, and Waycross at 32.
It’s the kind of morning that makes you want to bundle up, even if (like me) you’re down to the last turtleneck dress in the closet.
The Weather Authority has a freeze warning and frost advisory in place until 9 a.m., especially for inland areas like Macclenny—where it’s hanging around 32 right now.
You’ll feel the difference with wind gusts in the teens and low 20s, and we’ve got a strong area of high pressure pushing the cold down and keeping skies crystal clear.
Weekend warming trend ahead
Here’s some good news: while today’s high is expected to top out around 62 degrees (I know, not exactly pool weather), things are looking up by Friday.
The forecast calls for highs moving into the 70s, and by the weekend, we’re talking about some true spring weather with highs climbing into the 80s—around 83 to 85 degrees.
If you’re already making outdoor plans, you’ll be happy to know rain chances look pretty slim, with only a 10% shot on Thursday and a slight bump to 20% next Tuesday.
It’s shaping up to be a fantastic stretch for beach days or anything outside.
Dry spell brings drought and fire risk
As nice as the sunshine feels, we can’t ignore the drought monitor.
Even with some recent rain, Exact Track 4D shows we’re still in a deficit and those red “hot spots” flagged by our radar mean fire risk is climbing.
The National Weather Service is recommending watering your lawn no more than once a week. No one’s grass is looking lush, but right now, water conservation is more important.
If you spot anything unusual with weather or fire in your neighborhood, SnapJAX is a great way to share your photos with The Weather Authority at news4jax.com/snapjax/.
Spring is coming
So, hang in there. We’re almost out of the cold stretch.
Keep an eye on those freeze warnings, take care of the plants (and the pets!), and get ready for a warm-up that’s right around the corner.