Jacksonville is waking to clear skies Saturday, but the calm start will give way to punishing heat and a chance of thunderstorms later in the afternoon. High temperatures are expected to reach about 96 degrees, with humidity pushing the heat index as high as 110 to 112.
A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday across Jacksonville and much of the surrounding region. The National Weather Service Jacksonville office advises residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioning when possible and limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
Storm Chances Rise After 3 P.M.
Showers and thunderstorms could begin developing after 3 p.m., with a 30% chance of rain through the afternoon. Most rainfall should be brief, but stronger storms can bring frequent lightning, heavy downpours and sudden wind gusts, especially across parts of the broader northeast Florida and southeast Georgia region.
Storm chances continue into Saturday evening before gradually fading overnight. Jacksonville will remain warm and muggy, with a low near 78 degrees and a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Sunday.
Nearly 100 Degrees Again Next Week
The heat does not let up Sunday, when Jacksonville could reach 97 degrees with a heat index near 110 and another round of afternoon thunderstorms. Monday and Tuesday look even hotter, with highs near 98 and 99 degrees, respectively, while storm chances remain mainly confined to the afternoon and evening.
Rain chances increase somewhat by Wednesday, reaching about 50%, but temperatures will still hover near 98 degrees. Anyone heading outside should plan strenuous activities for early morning or evening, take frequent cooling breaks and never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.
