Jacksonville started Tuesday, February 17, 2026, under a blanket of mostly cloudy skies and mid-50s temperatures, but the gloom will not last. Clouds should thin out by late morning, letting highs climb to around 71°F this afternoon on a gentle northeast breeze. Inland neighborhoods will warm up a bit faster, while coastal spots stay a little cooler thanks to lingering chilly offshore waters. Anyone heading to the sand should know a rip current alert is in place for northeast Florida beaches through late tonight.
Rip Currents And Beach Safety
A Rip Current Statement issued early Tuesday warns of dangerous rip currents and 3 to 4 foot surf along northeast Florida beaches through late tonight. According to NWS Jacksonville, swimmers should stay near lifeguard stands and, if caught in a rip current, float and call for help instead of trying to fight directly against the pull. Offshore swell combined with onshore winds will keep the risk elevated into Wednesday, so it is smart to check local beach and surf conditions before you head out.
Foggy Mornings, Sunny Afternoons
Patchy fog may form late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, roughly between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., which could briefly cut visibility on area roads. Skies are expected to clear by midmorning with a quick warmup, so the drive in will look a lot different from the pre-dawn commute. Anyone on the road before sunrise should budget a little extra time in case visibility drops. Overnight lows stay on the mild side, generally holding in the mid-50s along the coast.
Midweek Warmth And Weekend Thunder Chances
Temperatures head steadily upward through the middle and end of the week. Look for highs in the upper 70s on Wednesday, near 79°F, and around 80°F on Thursday. By Friday and Saturday, afternoon temperatures should push into the low 80s. A slight chance of afternoon showers returns Friday, then rain chances tick up to scattered showers and a few thunderstorms Saturday night into Sunday before a passing front ushers in cooler air early next week. According to NWS Jacksonville, the warming trend rolls on through the workweek while rain chances stay on the low to moderate side until that front arrives.
Earlier Forecast And Practical Tips
Over the weekend we highlighted a fast-moving squall line; this update shifts the spotlight to the beach hazard and the midweek warmup. For the earlier outlook and gust timing, see our coverage of the wind-whipped storm blast. A few quick reminders: swim only at lifeguarded beaches, check surf and local forecasts before you head for the water, and give yourself extra time for pre-dawn drives if fog develops.
