JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Let\u2019s kick things off with the No. 1 thing you need to know this morning: a wind advisory is in effect for our coastal communities.<\/p>\n
Using Exact Track 4D radar here at News4JAX, I\u2019ve been tracking gusts already soaring well into the 30s\u2014Brunswick recorded a 37 mph gust, and areas like St. Mary\u2019s also saw gusts into the 30s. <\/p>\n
Jacksonville, Mayport, Hanna Park, all the way up through Fernandina Beach and St. Simon\u2019s Island are where it\u2019s hitting hardest.<\/p>\n
While wind speeds might seem calm at times, these gusts are no joke. <\/p>\n
If you\u2019re anywhere near the coast, keep an eye out for flying debris, loose outdoor furniture, and especially falling tree limbs. With the sun not even up yet, hazards like a branch coming down on a power line are a real concern.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ll be keeping you posted as winds shift, especially for the wider Jacksonville area and up into southern Georgia.<\/p>\n
Extreme drought increases fire risk<\/p>\n
The second concern on my radar (and it\u2019s a big one) is how dry it is right now.<\/p>\n
The latest drought monitor paints nearly our entire region in deep red, showing \u201cextreme\u201d drought conditions. <\/p>\n
That level of dryness means all it takes is a strong gust, and any spark could catch and spread very quickly\u2014even a small flame could get out of control fast with these windy, parched conditions.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re grilling, burning yard debris, or see any smoke, be extra cautious. Conditions are ripe for fast-moving grass or brush fires.<\/p>\n
Mild temperatures and current conditions<\/p>\n
With all this wind and dry air, you may not even notice we\u2019re starting off the day pretty mild. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s 66 degrees out there right now, with humidity sitting at 81% and a north-northwest wind around 10 mph.<\/p>\n
For our boaters or marina fans\u2014I saw a couple of beautiful yachts on our Skycam this morning\u2014but remember, those breezy conditions will keep things choppy along the water.<\/p>\n
Stay aware, share your photos<\/p>\n