Friday, May 8, 2026, starts off muggy and hazy in Jacksonville, with patchy smoke hanging in the air and temperatures sitting in the low 70s. Highs should top out near 82 this afternoon. Mostly cloudy skies will stick around with a slight chance of showers this morning and a better shot at storms this afternoon and evening, so keep those outdoor and beach plans flexible.
Afternoon Storms And Coastal Hazards
A slow-moving frontal boundary will bring a slight chance of rain before 10 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between about 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with activity possibly expanding into the evening. The National Weather Service Jacksonville warns that stronger, pulsing storms, mainly south of Interstate 10, could produce downburst winds of 40 to 60 mph, frequent lightning, locally heavy downpours and possibly small hail. Expect breezy northeast winds this afternoon with gusts into the 20s and brief, heavy rain that will cut visibility on area roads.
Smoke, Wildfire And Drought
Smoke from the South Canal wildfire in Lafayette County has pushed southward and spread haze across parts of northern Florida. Lafayette County schools closed Thursday morning because of heavy smoke and low visibility, WCTV reports. The haze should thin through the morning, but ongoing exceptional to extreme drought across the region keeps fuels dry and the wildfire threat elevated.
How To Prepare
If you are heading out this afternoon, bring rain gear and allow extra time for travel, since heavy downpours will cause ponding and sudden drops in visibility. At the beach, obey posted flags and stay near lifeguards, as rip currents can develop quickly and are life-threatening. People with asthma, COPD or heart conditions should limit strenuous outdoor activity while smoke lingers.
Weekend Outlook
Showers and thunderstorms become more widespread Saturday into Sunday, especially north of Interstate 10 and across southeast Georgia, with scattered strong storms possible. A stronger cold front is likely Monday, with a greater chance for strong to isolated severe thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening before drier, cooler air moves in Tuesday and Wednesday.
