Jacksonville woke Thursday to muggy air and temperatures near 75 degrees, but the bigger concern is still ahead. A Heat Advisory runs through the evening as the city heads toward a high near 95, with heat-index values reaching as high as 111. Afternoon thunderstorms could provide a brief break from the heat, but some storms may be strong.
Heat Peaks Before Storms Arrive
The advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, when hot temperatures and high humidity may create dangerous conditions. Mostly sunny skies will dominate the morning, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service Jacksonville.
Stronger storms could bring wind gusts of 40 to 55 mph, frequent lightning and brief heavy downpours. West winds around 7 mph are expected for much of the day before shifting more southerly near the coast later in the afternoon.
Another Hot Stretch Is Building
Thursday night will stay sticky, with a low near 78 and another chance of storms before 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday look even hotter, with highs near 97 and heat-index values approaching advisory levels, while afternoon thunderstorms remain possible.
The upper-90s pattern continues into next week, with highs near 97 Sunday and Monday, 98 Tuesday and 97 Wednesday. Storm chances will remain part of the daily forecast, generally rising during the afternoon and evening, as the NWS Jacksonville outlook keeps Jacksonville in a prolonged hot-and-humid stretch.
Plan Outdoor Time Around The Heat
Residents should move strenuous work and outdoor activities to the morning or evening, drink plenty of fluids and use air conditioning or shade during the advisory window. Anyone outdoors should head inside at the first sign of lightning, while people should also check on older neighbors, children and pets.
Beach conditions are expected to remain relatively calm, with surf near or below 2 feet and a generally low rip-current risk through Friday. Even so, extra caution is advised around piers, jetties and changing tides.
