Tuesday, July 28, 2026 — Jacksonville woke up already sweating, with temperatures near 80°F and the air feeling like a wet blanket. The heat will crank up fast, with afternoon highs near 98°F and heat index values that could make it feel more like 108–112°F. If you have to be outside, early morning or evening is your safer bet, and you will want water close at hand. The midday stretch will be the toughest time for any long or strenuous activity.
Heat Advisory Locked In Through This Evening
According to the National Weather Service, a Heat Advisory covers much of northeast Florida from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Southwest winds of 5–13 mph, with gusts up to about 20 mph, will not do much more than stir the hot air around. Forecasters expect heat index readings in the 108–112°F range, which ramps up the risk of heat illness for outdoor workers, kids and older adults.
Afternoon Storms And A Hotter Wednesday Setup
On top of the blistering heat, slight to scattered showers and brief thunderstorms are possible after about 2 p.m. today, mainly inland. Any storm that does pop could bring a quick burst of heavy rain and some gusty winds, so the sky may flip from broiler to downpour in a hurry.
The same basic pattern sticks around into Wednesday, July 29, with highs near 99°F and a higher chance of storms later in the day. A few of those afternoon and evening storms could turn strong or even severe. For a closer look at local timing and safety tips, see dangerous heat collides with storm threat.
Where To Cool Off
The City of Jacksonville's Stay Cool Jax program can open designated cooling centers during periods of extreme heat, with sites such as the Main Library and Legends Center on the city's list. Check the City of Jacksonville for specific locations, hours and transit details. When centers are activated, JTA may provide rides to help people get there.
In the meantime, basic heat survival rules still apply: drink plenty of fluids, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, reschedule strenuous work for cooler hours and keep an eye on radar if you will be outdoors this afternoon. If you start to feel dizzy, weak or disoriented, get to a cooler spot right away, and call 911 if symptoms become severe.
