Jacksonville is getting a sharp taste of fall Sunday, with mostly cloudy skies, a low of 57 early and a high near 70. North winds will stay strong through the day, making the city feel cooler than the thermometer suggests and turning beach plans into a serious safety calculation.
Strong Winds Sweep Jacksonville Sunday
North winds around 21 mph will gust as high as 33 mph Sunday afternoon, with the strongest conditions expected near the coast and along the St. Johns River corridor. A Wind Advisory remains in effect for coastal Duval County and nearby coastal areas until 2 a.m. Monday, and drivers of high-profile vehicles should use extra caution.
Rain is not expected to be a major factor. The latest National Weather Service forecast calls for partly sunny skies, though clouds may become more noticeable later in the afternoon.
Beach Conditions Are Dangerous
The bigger concern is along Northeast Florida beaches, where a High Surf Advisory calls for breakers of about 7 to 11 feet through 2 a.m. EDT Tuesday, October 20. A high risk for rip currents is expected through late Monday night, and inexperienced swimmers should stay out of the water.
Anyone who goes near the beach should stay close to a lifeguard and avoid swimming in rough surf. If caught in a rip current, float, avoid fighting directly against it and move parallel to the shoreline if possible; dangerous waves can also contribute to localized beach erosion and minor tidal flooding around high tide.
Sunny, Cooler Week Ahead
Sunday night will be clear, with partly cloudy conditions possible along the coast from about Jacksonville southward, with a low around 61 and north winds gusting as high as 31 mph. Monday turns sunny with a high near 71, followed by a clear night near 56 as the wind gradually eases.
Tuesday through Friday look sunny and dry, with afternoon highs rising from the low 70s into the mid-70s and overnight lows generally in the mid- to upper 50s. A chance of rain showers returns Saturday, when the forecast calls for a high near 75 and a 10% to 15% chance of precipitation.
The updated beach and wind advisories add urgency to the weekend outlook covered in Hoodline's Saturday forecast, especially for anyone considering a Sunday swim, surf session or waterfront outing.
