JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – I know we’ve all been looking for some good news when it comes to our dry conditions, and I’ve got it for you today.
While the weekend may start out a bit wet, the rain headed our way is expected to bring some real relief after weeks of severe to extreme drought.
By this time tomorrow, our Exact Track 4D radar is likely to be lighting up with showers and thunderstorms moving in overnight and into Friday.
This is the kind of rain we need to chip away at those long-standing drought conditions that have left our lawns and landscapes thirsty. I’ll be keeping a close watch as those storms come through.
The drought has reached some pretty severe levels, and while staying dry has its perks for outdoor plans, this rainfall is forecast to be very beneficial for our area.
Warm temperatures, gusty winds today
If you’re heading out today, you’ll notice it feels much milder than it has lately. Early morning temperatures are in the 40s and 50s, but highs are forecast to climb into the upper 70s and even low 80s by this afternoon.
For Jacksonville, Green Cove Springs, Orange Park, and Palatka, you can expect some fantastic weather for lunch or any outdoor plans. Along the coast, temperatures will be a little cooler, hanging closer to 70.
Winds are something to keep an eye on. While they’ll start off pretty calm, gusts are forecast to build through the day, reaching up to 20 to 30 mph, and possibly close to 40 mph around southern Georgia and Macclenny.
This could make it easier for anything loose outside to blow around, and with things so dry, it’s wise to be extra cautious if you see smoke or small fires.
7-day forecast: Sunshine and air quality updates
Once tomorrow’s rain moves out, expect mostly sunny skies and warm temperatures to return.
Highs should stay in the upper 70s to low 80s for the next several days, and the weekend is looking pretty nice.
We could see another shower or two by Tuesday, but overall, a warmer and more pleasant pattern is setting up.
As for air quality, it’s looking just fine for almost everyone, with a slight blip around Palm Coast due to some smoke, but nothing widespread at this time.
Visibility is not expected to be an issue.
Don’t forget to enjoy some patio weather today, and if you get any dramatic shots of the storms or your local weather, send them in at SnapJAX.
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