Jacksonville is waking to cloudy skies, sticky air and a forecast that turns wetter and more hazardous as Monday wears on. Temperatures near 77 degrees early will edge toward 80, but rain chances climb from morning showers to widespread thunderstorms by afternoon. A Flood Watch is in effect through Monday evening, making this a poor day to trust a dry-looking commute or a low-lying route.
Monday Rain Could Add Up Quickly
Showers are possible through late morning, with thunderstorms becoming more likely from late morning into the afternoon. The National Weather Service forecast calls for an 80% chance of precipitation and roughly one-half to three-quarters of an inch of rain in the Jacksonville area, while localized totals could be higher where downpours repeat.
The Flood Watch covers portions of Duval County and remains in effect through 8 p.m. Monday. Additional runoff could flood poor-drainage and urban areas, especially after rain falls on already saturated ground. Drivers should never attempt to cross water covering a roadway, even if it looks shallow.
Tuesday Brings Wind And More Storms
Monday night stays wet, with showers and thunderstorms likely and another 1 to 2 inches possible. Tuesday is expected to be cooler, topping out near 77 degrees, but rain chances rise to 90% as northeast winds strengthen; gusts may reach 26 mph in the Jacksonville forecast.
Wednesday should remain mostly cloudy, with showers likely before afternoon and a high near 80. Strong northeast winds will keep conditions rough along the coast and could push water levels higher around high tide in the Atlantic, the Intracoastal Waterway and the St. Johns River basin.
Beach Plans Face A Serious Warning
The beach forecast gets rougher as northeast winds build. A National Weather Service rip current statement calls for dangerous rip currents on Northeast Florida beaches from Tuesday afternoon through late Wednesday night. Anyone entering the water should swim near a lifeguard and never fight a rip current straight back to shore.
Rain chances ease somewhat Thursday, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 81, but showers remain possible. Friday through Sunday bring another unsettled stretch, with showers and thunderstorms likely and rain chances reaching about 80% Saturday and 70% Sunday.
