Extreme drought and fire hazard
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – We are dry—really dry. In fact, this is the driest period we’ve seen since official records began back in the 1800s. If you’ve been hoping for some rain, believe me, you’re not alone.
The drought monitor on Exact Track 4D shows that much of our area is now under extreme to exceptional drought. What does that mean for us? Well, we’ve got a rainfall deficit of 15 to 25 inches across parts of Northeast Florida.
Aside from brown grass and thirsty plants, there’s a real risk out there: fire danger is high, and you can see it on our fire and smoke map. There are hot spots all over, signaling that conditions are ripe for fires. Many of these get started accidentally—think flicked cigarettes, cars parked on dry grass, boat trailer chains dragging sparks, and power tools.
I talk about this a lot because it’s that important. Getting into this level of drought took time, and it’s going to take time to get out. Please be extra cautious with anything that might spark a fire.
Record highs expected this week
Ready for some big numbers on the thermometer? Right now, readings are mild—62 degrees if you’re stepping outside in Jacksonville, 50s as you head inland toward Macclenny, and 60s closer to the coast.
But the highs are making news. Our average high for this time of year is 79 degrees, but the forecast says we’re heading for near-record territory: 87 degrees today, 89 on Thursday, and 92 both Friday and Saturday. Sunday’s not cooling much, still around 91.
Prepare for heat, especially this weekend. If you’re headed out, pack your sunscreen and stay hydrated. The good news? It looks like 70s are expected to be back by Monday or Tuesday, which will feel more like normal.
Rain chances remain very slim
If you’re hoping for a quick end to this dry spell, keep the sprinklers handy. The forecast only gives us a 10% chance of rain on Sunday and Monday, which really doesn’t count for much. Our Exact Track 4D futurecast is showing no real relief, so expect the dry, sunny pattern to continue through the weekend.
If you’ve got outdoor plans, enjoy the sunshine! But do think about fire safety and sun protection while we wait on that long-overdue rain.
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Seen something wild or beautiful in our unusual weather? Snap a photo and send it in at SnapJAX—we love sharing your views!