Jacksonville started the day on the mild and muggy side, with temperatures sitting near 61°F before sunrise, but the easy start is not expected to last. Forecasters say dense, patchy fog could form along I-75 south of Gainesville ahead of the morning commute, and rain showers are expected to ramp up after 8 a.m. The high should climb to around 79°F, then slip back into the mid-70s this afternoon as showers move in, so give yourself extra travel time and keep a weather app close.
Afternoon Showers and Isolated Strong Gusts
Showers are expected to become more widespread from late morning into the afternoon, with about a 70% chance of rain and new rainfall totals generally between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. West winds should run about 6 to 10 mph, with gusts near 15 to 20 mph, and a few thunderstorms, mainly south of I-10, could kick up stronger gusts in the 30 to 50 mph range. According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, the most active period is likely during the late-afternoon commute, so expect slower traffic on wet roads.
Foggy Spots and the Commute
Drivers on I-75 south of Gainesville may run into pockets of reduced visibility where patchy to locally dense fog could turn the morning trip into a slow crawl. Use low beams, ease off the gas, and give yourself a buffer. The same system will help keep the coast a bit cooler, with beaches and nearby neighborhoods seeing thicker cloud cover and some drizzle later in the day. Build in extra time for school runs and appointments, and if you are set on staying dry, you may want to nudge outdoor plans to Sunday.
Weekend Outlook
Rain chances ease into Saturday, when showers should taper with a cooler afternoon high near 68°F and only scattered drizzle. Sunday looks drier and sunnier, with temperatures rebounding to around 72°F. Early next week, onshore winds are expected to strengthen, and marine hazards, including a rising rip-current risk, are likely by Tuesday and Wednesday. For more background on this pattern and yesterday's wind and fire concerns, check our earlier coverage.
