JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – I started my day at 2:30 a.m., and just like many of you on the roads, I noticed big changes fast. When I left St. Johns County, there was a downpour. As I got closer to Duval, it slowed, but the roads stayed soaked and extremely slick.
Since we haven’t seen much rain lately, all that oil and grime on the pavement makes it much more dangerous out there than normal. That’s a recipe for trouble, and the crashes we tracked yesterday are a good reminder to drive with caution today.
According to The Weather Authority, wind gusts are expected in the 25 to 45 mph range, and I’ve seen numbers close to 40 mph on our airport cam. That’s strong enough to make you think twice about things like power lines and tree limbs.
So, if you’re on the road this morning, take your time and stay safe.
Drought and fire risks remain high
I get it—after a rain like this, you might want to light up the fire pit or clear some brush, but it’s just not safe yet.
Our drought monitor—and you can see it on Exact Track 4D—really hasn’t improved much.
Sure, this rain is chipping away at the problem, but all those dry months mean we’re still at risk for wildfires.
In fact, my inbox has filled up with people asking if burning is OK now that we’ve had some showers. The answer, for now, is still no.
We’re already detecting some hot spots, so consider this your friendly warning: it’ll take multiple rainy days like this one to actually dig out of the drought.
Our rainfall deficit map still shows a big gap, not just for the last month, but for the past year. The ground needs a lot more before we’re out of the woods.
What’s ahead in the forecast
Let’s talk about the rest of your week. Rain will keep coming in, but compared to yesterday, expect things to be more isolated—meaning you might see a heavy shower, but your neighbor may not.
The wind advisory is sticking around, too. Gusts between 25 and 45 mph mean scattered showers could hold some power through this afternoon, especially after lunch.
Temperatures are hanging out around 64 degrees right now, and you’ll feel that north-northeast breeze at about 21 mph if you step outside.
Looking ahead, Jacksonville should see temperatures climb into the 70s and even touch the 80s by the weekend, with the sunshine finally expected to return.
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