JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you’ve stepped outside in Jacksonville lately, you’ve probably noticed how dry it’s been.
I’ve been tracking a serious drought across our area, and it’s causing real problems.
Here’s what you need to know: parts of North Florida and Southeast Georgia are facing a rainfall deficit of 20 to 25 inches. That’s enough to make anyone shake their head—it almost doesn’t seem real.
It’s not just about the numbers either.
Wildfires continue to be an issue, with recent fires burning up to 5,000 acres in places like Putnam and Clay counties.
The risk is high, and fire activity is something I’m watching every day in our Exact Track 4D radar suite.
Smoke advisory and air quality concerns
Right now, there’s a dense smoke advisory for Clinch and Echols counties, just north of the Florida border in southeast Georgia.
Smoke is especially concentrated at ground level during the morning hours because of cooler air and calm winds. In those spots, visibility can drop to half a mile or less.
My best advice? Stay inside if you can. Keep your pets indoors too, and close your windows.
And if you do have to head out, change your clothes as soon as you’re back inside—smoke and air particles can cling to fabric.
The air quality in areas under the advisory is moderate right now, and I’ll continue to monitor as this could change quickly.
Forecast calls for sunshine, little relief
I know a lot of you are hoping for some rain to knock down the dust and help with the fires, but unfortunately, meaningful rainfall isn’t expected anytime soon.
Temperatures will continue to climb into the 80s and even the 90s over the next five days, staying well above our seasonal average of 81 degrees.
There is just a 20% to 30% chance of a quick shower as we head into the weekend, but it’s not likely to make much difference for the drought or wildfires.
Sunshine and dry days are in the forecast for now.
Burn bans remain in effect across many counties in Florida.
Even if you’re not in a banned zone, it’s best not to burn anything outdoors right now. Always make sure anything flammable is fully out before you walk away.
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