JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hey Jacksonville, I know it was tough stepping out the door this morning without a jacket.
It’s been chilly for sure, with temperatures at the airport clocking in at 42 degrees and a “feels like” temp of just 38.
If you’ve got friends or family just north in Georgia, they might have been even colder, with some spots seeing readings in the 30s and a frost advisory through 9 a.m.
But hang tight! The cold isn’t sticking around.
With winds still in the teens and low 20s near the coast, it definitely feels brisk out there, especially early. But as the day rolls on, we’re going to warm up in a big way.
Jacksonville is expected to hit the upper 60s by afternoon, with a rapid climb to 75 degrees by Friday and even warmer beach weather on the way for the weekend.
We’re talking 84 to 88 degrees through Monday, so if you’re ready for sand and sun, this is your forecast!
By the middle of next week, daytime highs drop back into the 70s – right around our normal range. So, a little patience now means a big payoff later in the week if you love the heat.
Drought getting worse
I wish I could bring you more promising rain news, but our area is missing out on any substantial showers.
Exact Track 4D and the drought monitor are both showing how dry things are right now.
I’m seeing big areas in red—clear signs of drought stress on our lawns and local landscapes.
The National Weather Service has put out a reminder: Try to limit watering your lawn to once a week while these dry conditions stick around.
Conserving water is more important than ever, and while I know it’s a stretch for some, doing what we can now will help us all out in the long run.
There’s no significant rain expected in the forecast, so let’s keep hoping for a little help from above.
Increased fire and smoke risks
Because we’re so dry, I’m also tracking an increase in smoke and fire risk, especially to our north.
My fire and smoke overlays on Exact Track 4D show multiple hotspots—likely brush fires starting up in these parched conditions.
These fires can happen before you know it, sometimes from small, unintentional actions. You’ll want to be especially careful around grills, outdoor equipment, and anything else that could spark.
Staying safe and aware is our best bet until we get some needed precipitation.
Share your weather photos
If you spot something interesting as temperatures change—a frosty sunrise, beach day, or signs of drought—snap a photo and send it to us at SnapJAX. I love seeing what’s happening around our community!