Finally, some drought relief is coming
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – We’ve been talking nonstop about the drought here in Northeast Florida and South Georgia, and it looks like some big changes are finally headed our way. We are currently in what’s classified as extreme to exceptional drought, and over the last year, we’ve really built up a huge rainfall deficit.
This week brings some good news: much-needed showers are expected to develop over the next few days. While this round won’t be enough to eliminate the drought entirely, it’s certainly a step in the right direction. If you’ve been cutting back on watering your lawn or garden, Mother Nature is about to give you a hand.
Rain is a great thing for us right now. We need it badly, and not only will it start to chip away at our rainfall deficit, but it’ll also help with fire and smoke concerns that have been hanging over us lately.
Here’s when to expect the rain
Let’s talk about the Exact Track 4D radar outlook. It might be dry right now, but if you step outside later today, keep your umbrella close. Light rain is expected to start up by late morning, intensifying in Georgia around noon, then moving south into Jacksonville later in the afternoon and evening.
A lot of the heavier rain is likely to come in overnight, stretching into Tuesday and lingering through Wednesday and Thursday. We’ll see more widespread showers for much of the week, but the rain chance drops down as we head into the weekend. Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be drier, so if you’ve got outdoor plans, keep an eye on the forecast just in case anything shifts.
Temperatures will stay below average thanks to a cold front, with highs in the low 70s through Thursday before gradually warming back into the upper 70s. Winds will also be picking up, with gusts already showing up in the 20 to 30 mph range in some areas.
As always, the timing of these storms could change. That’s how weather works, right? So keep checking back for the latest updates from The Weather Authority.
Events and plans adjust to the weather
The Clay County Agricultural Fair is underway this week. If you’re heading out, plan for some showers here and there, but it’s not going to be a total washout. There’s plenty to do indoors if the rain comes down.
Gardeners can look forward to less time hauling hoses, as rain chances are running high through Thursday and will help refresh lawns and gardens. With only one watering day allowed per week due to drought restrictions, these showers are a big help.
If you manage to capture some dramatic weather photos or videos, I’d love to see them! You can share your shots with SnapJAX at news4jax.com/snapjax/.
Whatever your plans, keep an eye on the sky and check the latest Exact Track 4D radar here at News4JAX. Even if the rain changes up your routine, it’s all for a good cause—helping Northeast Florida and South Georgia get the rainfall we so desperately need.