JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Let’s kick things off with the No. 1 thing you need to know this morning: a wind advisory is in effect for our coastal communities.
Using Exact Track 4D radar here at News4JAX, I’ve been tracking gusts already soaring well into the 30s—Brunswick recorded a 37 mph gust, and areas like St. Mary’s also saw gusts into the 30s.
Jacksonville, Mayport, Hanna Park, all the way up through Fernandina Beach and St. Simon’s Island are where it’s hitting hardest.
While wind speeds might seem calm at times, these gusts are no joke.
If you’re anywhere near the coast, keep an eye out for flying debris, loose outdoor furniture, and especially falling tree limbs. With the sun not even up yet, hazards like a branch coming down on a power line are a real concern.
I’ll be keeping you posted as winds shift, especially for the wider Jacksonville area and up into southern Georgia.
Extreme drought increases fire risk
The second concern on my radar (and it’s a big one) is how dry it is right now.
The latest drought monitor paints nearly our entire region in deep red, showing “extreme” drought conditions.
That level of dryness means all it takes is a strong gust, and any spark could catch and spread very quickly—even a small flame could get out of control fast with these windy, parched conditions.
If you’re grilling, burning yard debris, or see any smoke, be extra cautious. Conditions are ripe for fast-moving grass or brush fires.
Mild temperatures and current conditions
With all this wind and dry air, you may not even notice we’re starting off the day pretty mild.
It’s 66 degrees out there right now, with humidity sitting at 81% and a north-northwest wind around 10 mph.
For our boaters or marina fans—I saw a couple of beautiful yachts on our Skycam this morning—but remember, those breezy conditions will keep things choppy along the water.
Stay aware, share your photos
I’ll have more for you throughout the day right here with News4JAX and The Weather Authority. Got a weather photo or video of the winds or dry conditions? Share it with us at SnapJAX—we’d love to see what’s happening in your neighborhood!