Jacksonville is starting Sunday clear but sticky, with temperatures near 79 degrees and humidity already making the morning feel heavy. Skies will stay mostly sunny into the early afternoon before heat and moisture fuel a round of showers and thunderstorms. The high should reach about 92 degrees, with heat index values as high as 105.
Storms Arrive After The Heat Builds
Rain chances rise after 1 p.m., reaching about 50% during the afternoon and early evening, according to the National Weather Service Jacksonville office. A few storms could produce frequent lightning, brief heavy downpours and wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph, with localized rainfall of 3 inches or more possible in spots. Storm coverage should ease after sunset, but drivers may still encounter sudden ponding and sharply reduced visibility under the heaviest cells.
Dangerous Rip Currents Expected At Area Beaches
A Rip Current Statement remains in effect for Northeast Florida beaches through 10 p.m. Sunday, with dangerous currents expected along the coast. Beachgoers should swim near a lifeguard and avoid fighting the current if caught in one; relax, float and move parallel to shore when possible. The surf hazard is the bigger concern for beach plans today, even as storms add another reason to keep an eye on the sky.
Heat Tightens Its Grip Next Week
Monday turns hotter, with a high near 94 and heat index values reaching about 107. From Tuesday through Saturday, highs stay in the mid-90s, topping out near 96, while peak heat index values could approach 110 and heat advisories may become necessary. Storm chances generally shrink to 20% to 30% after Monday, leaving Jacksonville with more sun, less rain relief and a long stretch of dangerous heat.
Sunday night should be mostly cloudy after a chance of evening showers and thunderstorms, with lows near 77. Outdoor plans will be most comfortable early in the day, before the combination of high heat, humidity, lightning and rip currents turns conditions more hazardous.
