Soaking rain pattern on the way
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hey friends, Meteorologist Katie Garner here from The Weather Authority. Let’s talk about this change we’re expecting as we head into the back half of the week.
The big headline? I’m tracking a major rain pattern that really ramps up starting Thursday and sticks around through next Tuesday. You’ll notice more pop-up showers and storms cropping up in the afternoon hours, especially as we hit peak heat. Some of these storms may bring wind gusts and lightning, and they’ll help chip away at our drought. With 2 to 5 inches of rain expected across the area, it’s a much-needed drink for our yards—but could also mean slick roads and some localized flooding, especially if you catch one of those heavier downpours.
Heat index and fire risk still high
Let’s not ignore the heat! Today’s temps are already running hot, with Jacksonville near 90 at midday and spots like Julington Creek Marina feeling like 95 degrees by this afternoon. Humidity’s hanging right around 59 percent, with winds out of the south-southwest at about 11.
High fire danger continues for now thanks to dry ground and gusts—22 mile an hour gusts in Jacksonville, with steady teens along our coastal areas. If you’re headed outside, please be extra careful with anything that could spark.
Even with the rain coming, we’re running above average for highs through Friday. That means it’ll feel sticky, steamy, and at times uncomfortable until the big rain arrives and knocks temps a little below normal the first part of this weekend.
Making plans? Here’s what to know
I know this rain is a bit of a party crasher—just ask my friend Mel, who’s got a big get-together planned! If you’re like her and hoping for sun, I recommend a plan B for the next few days. You’ll see passing showers and storms each day, lingering around 10 to 20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between. Not a full washout, but enough to be annoying if you’re not prepared.
Pack the poncho and those waterproof shoes, especially if you’re out and about Friday evening or over the weekend. We haven’t seen specific flood alerts pop up, but with totals building up to 5 inches in our area, localized flooding is something I’ll be watching for on Exact Track 4D radar.
Hour-by-hour, the afternoons will be hottest and stormiest, cooling just slightly in the evening. Weekend highs will drop into the mid-80s with all this rain—but plan to dodge those downpours.
Have a great photo or video of this week’s wild weather? I’d love to see it! Share on SnapJAX at https://www.news4jax.com/snapjax/.
What’s next from The Weather Authority
To sum up: Expect hot and humid conditions, a big increase in rain and thunderstorm chances, and some relief from the drought—plus a cooler (but soggier) weekend ahead. I’ll keep tracking those storms for you with all the updates right here at News4JAX.