JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – I’m seeing the drought in our area get worse, not better. Right now, we’re talking about “exceptional” conditions on the drought monitor, especially from Macclenny down into Jacksonville.
That’s the most serious drought level, and it’s exactly what I’m tracking on News4JAX’s Exact Track 4D radar.
We’ve also got pockets of “extreme drought” in the lighter red zones on the map. The fire danger is huge. Some of these fires aren’t very well-contained, which is always worrying when you add wind to the mix.
The rainfall deficit is now over 25 inches in Jacksonville itself, and between 15 and 20 inches from Brunswick to Waycross—right where we’re seeing the worst fire threats.
Rainfall and high winds: limited relief
I know some of us saw a downpour yesterday, but brief spurts of heavy rain just aren’t enough to make up that kind of deficit. The sun came back out fast, so many areas dried right back up.
Wind is a big problem. Gusts in the 15-25 mph range are expected to stick around through today, tomorrow, and likely into Wednesday as well.
And with the ground still so dry, those kinds of wind speeds can really drive these fires, moving hot spots to new areas.
Even if the ground feels a touch wet after a shower, it’s just not enough to tamp down the danger for long.
Air quality and safety tips
The air quality right now is moderate, but thick smoke is out there, especially near active fires. Whether you have asthma, COPD, emphysema, or you just want to breathe a bit easier, the best advice is: Stay inside, close your windows, and bring the pets in.
If you’re driving, it’s always smart to use that “recirculate air” feature so nothing from outside gets in.
My top priority is your safety, and we’ve got you covered from every front on The Weather Authority.
Share your weather photos
If you catch photos or video of heavy smoke, dramatic skies, or conditions in your neighborhood, you can share them with us at SnapJAX!