Jacksonville begins Friday with mostly clear skies, temperatures near 79 degrees and humidity hovering around 94%. The calm-looking start will give way to a much rougher afternoon, with thunderstorms increasingly likely after midday. The forecast turns stormier still as the Labor Day weekend unfolds.
Storms Build Through Friday Afternoon
Showers and thunderstorms could begin popping up between 11 a.m. and noon, with the best chance of widespread activity arriving from early afternoon into the evening. The high is expected to reach about 90 degrees, while the heat index may climb to 100. The National Weather Service in Jacksonville says rainfall could total between one-half and three-quarters of an inch in some areas.
Storm chances rise from roughly 2 p.m. through 6 p.m., when showers and thunderstorms are likely across the city. Southeast winds will generally run 3 to 10 mph, but storms may bring sudden, erratic gusts. The heaviest downpours could trigger localized flooding, especially on urban streets, low-lying roads and other areas that drain slowly.
Warm, Stormy Night Follows
Thunderstorms remain likely Friday evening, particularly before 8 p.m., followed by lingering chances through about 10 p.m. Skies will turn mostly cloudy overnight, with temperatures settling near 76 degrees and muggy conditions sticking around. Drivers should be ready for sudden visibility drops and water collecting on roads during the evening commute.
Weekend Heat Keeps Rain In Play
Saturday starts mostly sunny, but the heat will build quickly toward a high near 92 degrees. The heat index could reach about 103, with showers and thunderstorms becoming more likely after 1 p.m. Sunday looks hotter, with a high near 93 and thunderstorms likely after 2 p.m.
The storm pattern will not take much of a holiday break. Showers and thunderstorms are likely Monday for Labor Day, with a 90% chance of rain and a high near 89 under mostly cloudy skies. Anyone planning outdoor gatherings should keep a covered backup plan handy and check conditions before heading out.
Beach Conditions Bear Watching
The National Weather Service also expects a moderate rip current risk along Northeast Florida beaches Friday as winds shift more southeasterly. Even when the sun breaks through between storms, swimmers should stay near lifeguards and avoid entering the water when current warnings are posted. No watches, warnings or advisories were listed for Jacksonville in the latest forecast.
The outlook is a sharper and wetter turn from the earlier holiday-weekend forecast. Hoodline previously reported on the unsettled pattern, but the latest update raises concern for heavy rainfall and localized flooding across Northeast Florida.
