JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Let’s talk about the drought that’s taking hold across Jacksonville and nearby areas.
I’m seeing “extreme to exceptional drought” conditions on our drought monitor. When I check the rainfall totals, we’re facing a deficit in the 20 to 25+ inch range.
That’s not something we’re going to make up quickly—last week’s rain barely made a dent.
For now, it’s more important than ever to keep conserving water, just like you’ve been doing. Watering your lawn once a week is smart, even if your grass is looking rough. We all have to pitch in!
The forecast? Don’t count on a soaking anytime soon. I’m only expecting an isolated 10% chance of rain going into Sunday and Monday. That likely won’t be enough to help the drought.
Hot stretch in the forecast
Let’s talk temperatures. This week starts off feeling great in the 50s and 60s by morning, but by afternoon, it’ll warm up quickly.
We’re looking at highs around 84 degrees today, jumping into the 90s by Friday and through the weekend.
This dry, warm pattern is sticking around.
Don’t be surprised if you see 90 degrees on the thermometer before you know it. Keep in mind, I expect those temperatures to stick through Sunday before finally dropping back into the 70s next Monday.
The mornings may start with a little cloud cover, but that’ll clear up and give us sunny skies for most of the day.
Stay safe and healthy in the heat
Something else I’ve noticed: Just about everyone out and about lately is carrying water—and that’s a smart move. With these higher temps, staying hydrated is one of the best ways to keep cool.
As we get into the 90s, be mindful of heat-related issues. I’m talking about heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat rash, and of course, sunburn.
Look out for each other—especially if you have kids heading to the playground, since they’ll love the warm weather but need extra water breaks.
Air quality is another thing to watch, especially in Palm Coast, where it’s moderate right now. If you have COPD, emphysema, or asthma, take it easy on those days when the air isn’t as clear.
One more reminder—keep fire safety in mind. We’ve had some quick-burning fires pop up, like the one in Baker County recently. With our dry stretch, staying cautious makes a difference.
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