The National Weather Service in Jacksonville, FL has issued a high rip current risk warning for the region's beaches that will remain in effect through late Monday night. As visitors and locals alike might be planning to enjoy the coast, they need to be acutely aware that dangerous rip currents are present. In a statement, the NWS cautioned beachgoers by saying "rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water."
Specifically, the advisory targets multiple counties including Coastal Nassau, Coastal Duval, Coastal Flagler, Northeast Coastal St. Johns, and Southeast Coastal St. Johns. Time to strictly heed the NWS warnings; they continue to urge individuals to swim near lifeguards and, if caught in a rip current, to relax and float instead of attempting to swim against it. If it's possible, swimmers should aim to follow the shoreline direction. For those unable to swim to safety, the NWS advises to face the shore and to "call or wave for help."
While rip currents pose a threat, weather conditions for Jacksonville and its surroundings have a few clouds skimming the sky at 66°F, with a humidity lingering at 81 percent. Winds are pacing at 8 mph from the north, according to the latest update from the NWS. Visibility stands clear at 10 miles, supporting those who wish to be out and about, albeit on land rather than sea.
In the days ahead, Jacksonville can expect mostly sunny to partly sunny skies, with occasional chances of showers and thunderstorms, particularly heading into Sunday night and Monday. For those planning outdoor activities, Monday shows a 60 percent chance of precipitation, so it might be wise to prepare for wet weather. Despite the risk, breezes offer some solace, with winds forecasted to gust as high as 24 mph today and up to 20 mph come Monday, as per the NWS forecast.
