Jacksonville rolled into Saturday, April 25, 2026, under muggy, hazy skies, waking up to about 67°F and mostly sunny conditions. A light southwesterly breeze this morning will help crank up both the humidity and a coastal sea breeze later in the day, sending highs into the upper 80s. If you are planning to be outside, factor in both the smoke in the air and a late day chance for a passing shower.
Afternoon Storms Possible
Showers and thunderstorms remain on the table this afternoon, with a slight chance between about 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. and a broader chance continuing into the evening. The high should top out near 87°F before easing back later in the day. Winds will run out of the southwest at 2 to 10 mph, and any isolated storm that does pop up could bring a brief heavy downpour. Widespread severe weather is not in the forecast, according to the National Weather Service.
Smoke And Local Impacts
Thick smoke from large wildfires in south Georgia is drifting toward the First Coast and could knock down visibility at times, especially farther inland and downwind of the state line. The Highway 82 fire in Brantley County has destroyed dozens of homes and led to mandatory evacuations and a curfew, and smoke from that blaze, along with the Pineland Road fire in Clinch and Echols counties, is the main source of the haze hanging over the region, according to News4Jax. If you have breathing issues or run into areas of thick smoke, stay indoors and move activities inside until conditions improve.
Legal Implications
In places where mandatory evacuations or curfews are in effect, those orders carry legal weight, and residents in the affected zones should follow local emergency instructions and steer clear of closed roads or properties. Emergency shelters and county guidance remain the go to sources for information on when it is safe to return and where to find assistance.
Plan Your Commute And Beach Time
On the roads, smoke driven visibility drops can turn even short drives into a bit of an adventure, so slow down and use your headlights if you run into haze. That developing sea breeze could help fire off isolated showers this afternoon, and lifeguards are flagging a lower end moderate rip current risk at area beaches through Saturday, with a higher risk possible Monday. Check conditions before you head out, and keep water and a mask handy if you plan to be outside where smoke is hanging around.
