JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Hey Jacksonville! If you\u2019ve been enjoying the sunny weather lately, you\u2019re in luck\u2014warm, beautiful days are sticking around for a while. But don\u2019t put away those jackets yet, because our mornings are still starting off on the chilly side.<\/p>\n
For Tuesday, I\u2019m expecting temperatures to start in the low 40s, warm up throughout the day, and top out right around 79 degrees. <\/p>\n
This afternoon feels just about perfect! If you\u2019re planning a lunchtime walk or an after-work run, you can count on comfortable conditions with clear blue skies overhead. <\/p>\n
And that pattern looks set to stay with us all week\u2014highs will hover in the mid to upper 70s through Friday, with nighttime lows in the 40s and 50s.<\/p>\n
I want to point out that Thursday is forecast to be a touch cooler with a high near 69 degrees, but honestly, it\u2019s going to feel almost the same. Most of us won\u2019t even notice the difference\u2014just another great day to get outside and enjoy Jacksonville\u2019s sunshine.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m keeping a close watch on our rain chances, and right now, there\u2019s only a slight 20% chance for a quick shower on Wednesday. Most areas are expected to stay dry. <\/p>\n
The next real shot at rain looks like Sunday, but that timeline is still a bit uncertain, so stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the weekend.<\/p>\n
Drought brings higher fire risk<\/p>\n
Now, while I love giving good news about the sunshine, I do need to sound the alarm on our drought situation. <\/p>\n
Jacksonville and much of Northeast Florida are facing severe to extreme drought right now. That dry air and lack of rain isn\u2019t just tough on our lawns\u2014it\u2019s a real fire hazard.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re outside, please be extra cautious with anything that could spark a flame. That means making sure you put out cigarettes all the way, avoiding parking your car on dry grass, and keeping an eye on anything that could produce heat or sparks. <\/p>\n
Even a dragging boat chain can start a brush fire if it hits the pavement just right. Any little flame can make a big impact in these conditions.<\/p>\n
This dry stretch is expected to last through at least the end of the week. I\u2019ll keep showing you the drought monitor updates so everyone knows where we stand.<\/p>\n
Tips for making the most of the weather<\/p>\n
Cool mornings and warm, dry afternoons are just about perfect for getting active outside\u2014whether you\u2019re training for the Gate River Run, heading out for a walk with your dog, or trying to sneak in some time at the golf course. <\/p>\n
I\u2019ve been working on my own running lately (and yes, I admit I usually just run to the refrigerator!), so I know firsthand how much these temperatures help.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re getting outside, don\u2019t forget a few tricks to stay comfortable: splash a little water on your wrists to cool down, pace yourself as the day warms up, and give your pets plenty of water if they\u2019re joining you. <\/p>\n
The dog walk and tee time forecast both look fantastic this week\u2014I\u2019ll be giving my dog a few extra laps around the neighborhood for sure.<\/p>\n