Jacksonville is headed for a mostly sunny Monday with temperatures climbing to around 90 degrees, but minor coastal flooding will remain the day’s main concern. The National Weather Service’s advisory covers the St. Johns River basin and Intracoastal Waterway through 8 p.m.
Sunny, Hot Monday Ahead
Southwest winds will run 6 to 10 mph, with occasional gusts up to 16 mph, as the morning warms quickly. Rain chances stay low at about 10%, making for generally dry conditions across the city.
Tonight, lows will range from the 60s inland to the low 70s near the coast. West to northwest flow will become southwest in the afternoon and continue into tonight.
Flooding Risk Continues Through Monday Evening
Minor flooding is expected around high tide along the St. Johns River basin, the Intracoastal Waterway and nearby Atlantic coastal areas. Lots, parks and some roads could see water, with isolated closures possible.
Jacksonville’s flood history shows how different this minor tide-driven advisory is from major storm flooding. A University of Florida study of Hurricane Irma found that storm surge first pushed water into the St. Johns River estuary in 2017, then rising river discharge worsened flooding; the effects lasted through September. Earlier, a USGS study of Duval County identified the 1964 flood during Hurricane Dora as the county’s major flood of record at the time.
The flooding is tied to higher-than-normal astronomical tides, with water forecast to peak 1.5 to 2 feet above mean higher high water during Monday’s high tides, the National Weather Service said in its Jacksonville forecast discussion. The advisory addresses coastal flooding in the Duval area, including minor flooding along the St. Johns River.
Drivers should allow extra time, avoid barricades and never attempt to cross water of unknown depth. Beachgoers should also note that a moderate rip-current risk is expected along Atlantic beaches through Tuesday.
Storm Chances Return Later This Week
Tuesday and Wednesday will remain mostly sunny and warm, with highs near 90 Tuesday and around 86 Wednesday. Precipitation chances slowly increase Tuesday into Wednesday, with a chance of showers and storms Tuesday and higher chances Wednesday afternoon. Rain and storm chances increase later in the week.
Precipitation chances will be above average through the weekend, with shower coverage increasing Friday and Saturday.
