Jacksonville woke to partly cloudy skies Wednesday, July 1, with temperatures hovering near 80°F this morning. The day looks mostly sunny and hot, with highs around 90°F and only a slight chance of brief, spotty afternoon showers. Inland neighborhoods will feel hottest and more humid, so it will not take long for that morning warmth to turn into full-on steam.
Afternoon Gusts and Spotty Storms
Expect mostly sunny skies through the morning, with only a slight chance for a brief shower between about 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 1. Northeast winds will strengthen from mid-morning into the afternoon, running around 3–15 mph with gusts up to 23 mph, which will keep it breezy along the coast and on the water. Inland areas should see highs near 90°F, with heat-index values topping the upper 90s to around 100°F, so bring water, shade and a realistic plan for how long you will be outside, according to NWS Jacksonville.
Beach Safety and Holiday Outlook
Onshore flow and 3–4 foot surf this afternoon will produce a high-end moderate rip current risk at local beaches, so swimmers are urged to stay near lifeguarded areas and avoid strong rip-prone channels. The holiday weekend trends hotter and wetter. Saturday, July 4 is forecast with a high near 94°F and showers and thunderstorms likely after about 2 p.m., which means those backyard barbecues and beach plans may need a late-day backup.
If the heat bothers you, the City of Jacksonville keeps a "Stay Cool Jax" list of cooling centers and activation details, according to the City of Jacksonville. Keep an eye on the sky this afternoon, since lightning and gusty winds can develop quickly in stronger cells, and stash a plan B for any outdoor events. Check local forecasts before heading out and follow lifeguards’ guidance at the beach.
