Jacksonville started Saturday under a blanket of low clouds, muggy air, and pockets of patchy fog, but the gray skies are not sticking around for long. By late morning the sun should break through and help send afternoon highs into the mid‑80s. Southwest winds will turn breezy, with gusts near 20 mph, and a moderate rip‑current risk is expected at area beaches. A cold front moves in tonight, bringing a chance of showers and the potential for stronger storms inland and across southeast Georgia.
Patchy Fog Burns Off, Warm Afternoon
Patchy, locally dense fog is most likely along low‑lying areas and the I‑75 corridor through mid‑morning. From there, skies should turn mostly sunny with highs near 85°F. Southwest winds of 6–14 mph will pick up this afternoon with gusts near 20 mph, which will add to the warm feel and support a moderate rip‑current risk along the coast. See our weekend weather roller coaster for background on today’s warm start.
Tonight Through Sunday: Storms, Gale Watches And Sharp Freeze
A cold front will sweep through late tonight into Sunday morning, and showers with scattered thunderstorms are possible in advance of the front, with the highest thunderstorm threat over southeast Georgia late this afternoon and evening and wind gusts of 40–60 mph the main hazard. The front should be offshore by Sunday, but strong northwesterly winds Sunday into Monday have prompted Gale Watches for local offshore waters from Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon. Behind the front, much colder, drier air will spill in, with highs dropping into the 60s on Sunday and a light freeze possible inland late Sunday night into Monday morning. A more widespread freeze and wind chills in the 20s are expected Monday night into early Tuesday (February 23–24), according to NWS Jacksonville.
What To Do
Secure loose outdoor items, delay nonessential boating Sunday into Monday, and cover tender plants ahead of the Sunday night freeze. Check on older or vulnerable neighbors and make sure you have cold‑weather gear ready if you will be out overnight. Use caution with space heaters and other supplemental heat sources. The city maintains plans for warming centers and shelter options, so see guidance from the City of Jacksonville for local resources.
