The National Weather Service in Jacksonville, FL has issued a coastal hazard message indicating a high risk of rip currents from 4 a.m. EST this morning through late tonight. Dangerous rip currents and rough surf are expected along Northeast Florida beaches, including Coastal Nassau, Coastal Duval, Coastal Flagler, Northeast Coastal St. Johns, and Southeast Coastal St. Johns.
Current observations indicate mostly cloudy conditions in Jacksonville with a temperature of 45°F and 93% humidity. The wind chill makes it feel closer to 39°F. The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies later in the day with a high near 57°F. The risk of rip currents remains in place due to continued northerly winds.
The NWS advises swimmers to stay near a lifeguard and follow established safety procedures if caught in a rip current: relax and float, do not swim against the current, and, if possible, swim in a direction parallel to the shoreline. If unable to exit the current, individuals are instructed to face the shore and signal for help. Authorities note that rip currents are capable of pulling even strong swimmers away from the shore into deeper water.
The forecast for the rest of the week indicates sunny conditions, with high temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s and mostly clear nights with lows in the 40s to low 50s. Winds are expected to remain steady but gradually weaken after tonight’s elevated rip current risk. Residents and visitors in Jacksonville are advised to use caution near the coast during this period of unsettled surf conditions.
