Thursday, February 19, Jacksonville woke to patchy, locally dense fog that slowed commutes and cut visibility to roughly 1 mile at some reporting sites. Early readings were in the mid-60s, but sunshine this afternoon will push inland highs into the low 80s. Expect breezy southwest winds all day with gusts near 20-25 mph, so plan for gusty pockets and unsecured outdoor items to shift.
Fog And The Morning Commute
The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement warning that areas of fog and low clouds will linger through about 8 a.m., with locally dense pockets possible along the I-75 corridor and near the coast, according to NWS Jacksonville. Drivers are urged to slow down, use low beams and watch for rapidly changing visibility on bridges and low-lying roads. The fog should lift by mid- to late-morning as southwest winds strengthen.
Afternoon Heat And Gusts
Once the fog clears, partly sunny skies will bring highs near 82 F today, with some inland spots briefly warmer. Southwest winds of 6-15 mph are expected this afternoon, with gusts up to about 21 mph, which could make outdoor chores feel hotter and occasionally blustery in open areas. Friday and Saturday look even warmer, with mid-80s possible at times, so keep water and shade in mind for outdoor plans.
Weekend Flip And Cold Snap
A weak front arriving late Saturday into Sunday (February 21-22) will increase shower chances and could produce isolated thunderstorms Saturday night into Sunday morning. Behind that front, a much colder, drier air mass moves in: highs fall into the 50s on Monday, February 23, and freezes are likely Monday night (Feb. 23) and again Tuesday night (Feb. 24) in some inland neighborhoods. The approaching warmup and timing were outlined in an earlier update, see our look at Jacksonville’s weekend weather roller coaster for background.
Beaches And Boaters
Rip current risk will be moderate at area beaches through Friday, and swimmers should stick to lifeguarded areas and posted flags. Boaters should watch for building southwest winds this weekend and possible Small Craft Advisory conditions as winds turn northwest behind the front late Sunday into Monday. If you have weekend plans on the water, check the latest marine forecast before leaving the dock.
