Drought and fire still threaten<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Here in Jacksonville and across much of Northeast Florida, we\u2019re facing an extreme to exceptional drought. This is the highest level the drought monitor tracks, and it\u2019s causing some real problems for us\u2014on top of making those backyard lawns look thirsty.<\/p>\n
The Weather Authority\u2019s Exact Track 4D radar and satellite are picking up several hot spots for fires, and I want you to know that many of these can start by accident. Please, be extra cautious when you\u2019re outside. These brush fires can take off fast, and the smoke is not only a pain to see, but it\u2019s also toxic and can carry a lot of chemicals into the air.<\/p>\n
We still need everyone to stay aware and help prevent new fires while the drought continues.<\/p>\n
Foggy start, rain chances ahead<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s talk about your day. If you woke up in areas like Riverside, Palm Coast, Green Cove Springs, Orange Park, Lake City, Gainesville or Palatka, you probably noticed the fog. Visibility is lower in those spots, so if you or your kids are heading out early, make sure to use those low beams and take it slow.<\/p>\n
Right now, Exact Track 4D is showing our radar crystal clear\u2014no rain at the moment. There is, however, a bit of light rain sitting offshore in the Atlantic. Most of that is expected to break up before it gets to us, but a few more showers are likely to come in from the west, focusing on areas like Lake City. That\u2019s actually some good news, because we could use every drop.<\/p>\n
The rain probably won\u2019t roll through until around noon to 2 p.m., and even then, the chances are pretty slim for most of us. Every day has a small shot for a shower\u2014about a 20 to 30 percent chance\u2014through the weekend.<\/p>\n
Mild temperatures, small cooldown coming<\/p>\n
As for temperatures, most of us are waking up in the upper 50s and low 60s this morning\u2014Jacksonville at 57 degrees, St. Augustine at 62, Brunswick and Waycross at 54.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll be hanging out in the 80s over the next three days. Rain chances stay pretty steady, but by Monday, a new system could bring a bit of a cooldown. Expect highs to dip down from the mid-80s to the upper 70s as we start next week.<\/p>\n
Show us your weather photos<\/p>\n