Jacksonville is starting Friday warm and muggy near 78 degrees, but the weather will turn noticeably rougher as showers and thunderstorms build through the day. The forecast calls for a high near 89, a heat index close to 100, and the potential for heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds.
Showers could begin around 9 a.m., with thunderstorms becoming more likely from late morning through the afternoon. Northeast winds will increase to 14 mph, with stronger gusts possible, while forecasters expect roughly a quarter- to half-inch of rain in many spots.
Thunderstorms Could Bring Downpours And Gusts
The National Weather Service Jacksonville office says isolated strong storms could produce wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph, along with frequent lightning and brief periods of intense rain. Slow-moving storms may also cause localized flooding in low-lying, flood-prone and urban areas, with some coastal locations potentially receiving much higher rainfall totals, according to the National Weather Service.
Rain and storm chances remain elevated Friday night, when temperatures settle near 76 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. Saturday looks even wetter, with an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms and another high near 89.
Beachgoers Face Dangerous Rip Currents
A high rip current risk is in effect for Northeast Florida beaches from Friday morning through late Saturday night. The hazard covers the Jacksonville-area coastline, where even experienced swimmers can be pulled away from shore by powerful currents.
The National Weather Service advises swimmers to stay near a lifeguard, relax and float if caught in a rip current, and avoid fighting directly against the current. Anyone unable to escape should face the shore and call or wave for help.
Weekend Storms Give Way To Next Week Heat
Storm chances ease somewhat Sunday, but a 50% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms remains as highs climb near 92. From Monday through Thursday, rain chances drop to roughly 20% to 40% while highs rise from the mid-90s to around 97 degrees.
That late-week stretch could feel especially oppressive, with heat index values potentially reaching 108 to 110 degrees. The weather service says heat advisory conditions may return next week, even as the daily storm threat becomes more limited.
