JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 If you\u2019re hoping for some steady rain to break up this dry streak, I\u2019ve got some tough news. We\u2019re sitting way below where we should be for rainfall.<\/p>\n
Even though we saw some storms yesterday, with flashes of lightning lighting up the sky in quite a few neighborhoods, it barely made a dent in our drought situation. The latest drought monitor shows most of us stuck at \u201csevere drought,\u201d and that\u2019s just one step away from being labeled \u201cextreme.\u201d It\u2019s a big problem that\u2019s not going away overnight.<\/p>\n
Mild days, chilly nights expected<\/p>\n
Now, on the upside, you\u2019ll notice when you head out this morning, it feels comfy\u2014Julington Creek was registering 62 degrees when I checked. There\u2019s barely a breeze, so it\u2019s actually pretty nice if you want to get moving early.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, we\u2019re forecast to hit a high of around 69 degrees today with clouds hanging in. Overnight, plan for partly cloudy skies and a drop to about 49 degrees. It\u2019ll feel chilly, so you might want to grab an extra layer if you\u2019re heading out early Friday.<\/p>\n
Those heading out for a dog walk are in luck\u2014by 11 a.m., temps should reach 64 degrees and you\u2019ll find it mostly cloudy but pleasant. Later into the afternoon, nothing much changes except a mild climb in temperatures, so your furry friends are likely to enjoy their stroll.<\/p>\n
Fire and smoke risk on the rise<\/p>\n
Given just how dry it is, fire risk is something I\u2019m keeping a close watch on. Dry conditions make it easier for fires to start and spread. That risk sticks with us as long as this drought holds on.<\/p>\n