JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It’s going to be a hot, sticky and stormy stretch of weather through at least Tuesday. Heat index values are expected to peak between 104 and 108 degrees, making it feel dangerously hot even if you’re just stepping outside for a few minutes.
Storms fire up this afternoon
Thunderstorms are expected to develop across the area this afternoon and continue through much of the evening — roughly 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Some of those storms could pack a punch, bringing gusty winds, frequent lightning and heavy downpours.
The heaviest rain and strongest storms are most likely to develop near the I-95 corridor, where the east coast and Gulf coast sea breezes are expected to collide. Factor in the heat, and storms are going to pop.
What to expect if storms hit
The biggest concerns with any strong storms will be wind gusts and flooding.
- Wind gusts: Up to 40–55 mph
- Heavy rain: Isolated areas of minor flooding possible from torrential downpours
- Lightning: Frequent strikes expected with stronger cells
You can still burn with cloud cover
Even with clouds building through the afternoon and some early storm activity, temperatures are still expected to reach the mid-90s for most of the area. Add in the humidity, and it’s going to feel significantly hotter than that.
Overnight, conditions will gradually improve. Expect clouds to clear and temperatures to stay warm with lows in the low-to-mid 70s.