Jacksonville is starting Thursday under mostly cloudy, sticky skies, with temperatures near 79 degrees and humidity hovering around 90%. The city is headed for a high near 91, but the bigger story arrives late morning and afternoon, when scattered showers and thunderstorms could roll through.
According to the National Weather Service Jacksonville forecast, rain chances rise after 11 a.m. Thursday, with a 30% chance of precipitation overall. Southeast winds will increase through the day, reaching up to 13 mph with higher gusts, while temperatures may dip into the upper 80s as clouds and storms move across the area.
Storms Could Bring Sudden Downpours
Most storms should be scattered, but the strongest cells could deliver frequent lightning, brief heavy rain and gusty winds. Forecasters say isolated downbursts could reach 40 to 50 mph, and a slow-moving cluster of storms could produce localized flooding in places that get hit repeatedly.
Beachgoers Face A Higher Rip Current Risk
The onshore breeze will make coastal conditions more complicated later Thursday, with surf and breakers building to 2 to 3 feet and a moderate rip current risk expected. That risk is forecast to increase Friday through the weekend as surf rises toward 3 to 4 feet, so swimmers should stay near lifeguards and avoid entering the water during thunderstorms.
Saturday Looks Wettest As Heat Builds Next Week
Friday brings another warm day near 90 degrees with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, while Saturday looks like the soggiest day of the weekend with storms likely and a 70% rain chance. Sunday should reach about 92 with afternoon storms possible, followed by a hotter stretch near 94 Monday and 96 Tuesday and Wednesday as storm coverage becomes more limited.
No watches or warnings are posted for Jacksonville at this time, but outdoor plans may need a flexible backup through the weekend. The safest bet is to finish beach, boating and yard activities early, keep an eye on the sky after late morning and head indoors at the first sound of thunder.
