JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville and all of Northeast Florida are still dealing with a pretty extreme drought. That’s not just a line on a map; it’s so dry out there that even a little wind can turn a small brush fire into a big problem.
We’ve had a few brush fires already, and if you’ve seen smoke in the area, that’s likely what you’re smelling.
The radar has been picking up on some of those smoke plumes, and trust me, brush fire smoke isn’t just unpleasant—it’s filled with chemicals that are tough on your health.
So please keep an eye out and stay cautious whenever you notice smoke or haze, especially since these fires can spread really quickly.
Rain showers expected, but not enough
I know some of us got a little hopeful when we saw those clouds—but today’s showers are mostly light and not everyone will even see them.
Last night, we had just enough rain to leave a few droplets on my car this morning, and we might get a few more passing showers through the rest of the day.
According to Exact Track 4D, this isn’t the rain that’s going to fix our drought. Any showers we get are light, and it won’t be enough to move the needle on those big red patches on the drought monitor. But every little drop helps!
If you’re like me and have a pet who hates walking in the rain, you might not even notice the rain today unless you catch one of these quick showers—or spot a damp sidewalk here or there.
Mild temps and a breezy weekend outlook
On the temperature front, it’s actually been pretty comfortable. Most of you started the morning in the upper 50s and low 60s, with highs today around 73 degrees—so below average for late March.
You’ll definitely feel the breeze, especially closer to the coast, where winds are gusting over 20 miles per hour at times. That’s been making things feel a bit cooler, and if you’re headed out near the marinas, don’t be surprised by those flags whipping in the wind.
Looking ahead, the temperature is going to heat up fast—Friday’s high is expected to hit close to 90 degrees! Don’t forget your sunscreen and water if you’re planning anything outdoors.
But here’s some good news: the weekend is looking great and mild, with highs in the mid-70s and only a 10 percent chance of a quick shower either Saturday or Sunday.
So if you’re thinking about heading to the beach or spending some time outside, it’s shaping up to be the perfect time to do it.
If you see any wild weather, wonky clouds, or want to show us how it looks in your neighborhood, send your best photos to SnapJAX! Just head to https://www.news4jax.com/snapjax/—we love seeing your weather snaps.