Jacksonville starts Tuesday under partly cloudy skies near 80 degrees, but the quieter morning is not the whole weather story. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to build through the day, with heat, gusty winds and pockets of heavy rain making for a steamy start to September.
The National Weather Service Jacksonville forecast calls for a high near 89 degrees Tuesday, with the temperature easing into the mid-80s during the afternoon. The heat index could reach about 100, while northeast winds of 5 to 15 mph may gust as high as 23 mph.
Storms Shift Inland Through The Afternoon
A slight chance of showers arrives Tuesday morning, followed by increasing thunderstorm chances from late morning into the afternoon. Jacksonville has a 40% chance of rain overall, while the broader Northeast Florida area could see more widespread storm coverage.
The main concerns are brief heavy downpours, frequent lightning and localized flooding, especially where storms repeatedly pass over the same areas. A few stronger storms could also produce sharply gusty winds, so outdoor plans may need a backup option.
Cloudy And Cooler Tonight Before A Wetter Stretch
Tuesday night stays mostly cloudy with a low near 76 and a 20% chance of showers. Wednesday brings another round of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 87 and a 60% chance of precipitation; Thursday looks similarly unsettled, with storms likely and a high near 88.
Storm chances remain elevated Friday, when Jacksonville could reach 90 degrees, before temperatures climb to around 92 Saturday and Sunday. Labor Day is forecast to be a little cooler near 89, but a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms means beach trips, cookouts and outdoor errands could all run into passing downpours.
Beachgoers Face A Moderate Rip Current Risk
The local forecast discussion also calls for a moderate rip current risk at area beaches, with surf generally around 2 to 3 feet Tuesday. Surf could increase to 2 to 4 feet Wednesday and Thursday, when a high rip current risk may become possible at Northeast Florida beaches.
No watches or warnings are in effect for Jacksonville. Still, residents should keep an eye on the sky during afternoon plans, move indoors when thunder is audible and never drive through water covering a roadway.
