A spring-like day with a few showers through early evening. Summer temperatures tomorrow will flirt with record highs and the strong onshore winds return this weekend.
A weak sea breeze is on the move with showers developing, east of the River, across inland St. Johns County. The line of showers, stretching from near Rivertown to Spuds, will dissipate as it meanders along the River around 5 p.m.
It will feel like summer tomorrow, with near-record highs expected area-wide. The forecast for Friday is 89 degrees, just shy of the 90-degree record set in 2023.
A windy weekend is expected, with another round of strong coastal winds and marine hazards, while temperatures remain near seasonal. The increasing northeasterly flow will bring a slight chance of passing showers to coastal counties on Saturday and Sunday. Northeast winds are expected to average 15-20 mph, with gusts between 30 and 40 mph.
A Gale Watch is in effect for near and offshore waters on Saturday and Sunday. This will become a Gale Warning. The strong onshore winds will increase the marine and coastal hazards, including a high Risk for Rip Currents.
Evening: A few showers possible.
Tonight: Patchy to dense fog under partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies.
Friday: Patchy to dense fog early. Near-record highs under partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies. It will be a great day for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp opening weekend. Lows in the 50s and 60s. Highs in the 80s to low 90s, 70s along the beaches. Wind SSW/SE 5-10 mph.
Weekend: Windy conditions, especially along our beaches. Marine and coastal hazards are expected. Temperatures will be closer to our seasonal levels. Lows in the 50s and 60s with afternoon highs in the 60s and 70s. Wind: NE 15-25 mph with gusts 30-40 mph.
The Exceptional Drought expands across our area as an Extreme Drought continues.
A Exceptional Drought has expended across the western part of our viewing area, including parts of Columbia, Baker, Union and Alachua counties. An Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most severe category in the U.S. Drought Monitor scale. This represents extreme conditions with widespread, devastating impacts. It indicates critical water shortages, empty reservoirs, shallow ground wells and the possibility of massive crop losses.
The current drought has also prompted a Phase 2 Severe Water Shortage.
A Phase II Severe Water Shortage has been declared due to ongoing dry conditions across portions of the District. Below-average rainfall, declining groundwater levels, and reduced river flows are contributing to water resource stress.
Water shortage declarations are temporary measures used to help protect water resources during extended dry periods. Conditions are monitored regularly, and additional restrictions may be implemented if conditions worsen.
Under a Phase II water shortage, landscape irrigation is limited to one day a week. All water users, including domestic, utility, and commercial, are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water use.
Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited. Residents, businesses, and property managers are encouraged to proactively plan for extended dry conditions and the potential for additional restrictions.
Landscape irrigation in areas subject to a Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage is limited to one day a week. Property owners and managers are encouraged to prepare for possible worsening conditions. Property owners should ensure that they are following the District rules for the day of the week irrigation is permitted.
Looking ahead: Warming next week with a lighter onshore flow.
Sunrise: 7:22 a.m.
Sunset: 7:43 p.m.