JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 If you\u2019re waking up in Jacksonville today, you\u2019ve probably noticed the mornings are mild but dry. <\/p>\n
I want to get right to it: our area is sitting in what\u2019s classified right now as \u201cextreme to exceptional drought\u201d\u2014that\u2019s the highest on the scale, and it\u2019s creeping into even more of our neighborhood.<\/p>\n
We haven\u2019t had the kind of rain we need. <\/p>\n
Our rainfall deficit just keeps growing, and while I\u2019ll have more numbers for you later today, what\u2019s important right now is to understand that this presents very real fire dangers. <\/p>\n
With the dry conditions, any spark or ignition source could start trouble\u2014especially if wind picks up.<\/p>\n
Warm and dry pattern continues<\/p>\n
Stepping outside, you\u2019ll feel temperatures in the 50s and 60s across Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Brunswick, and Waycross. <\/p>\n
It feels nice, I know, and we\u2019re looking at highs in the low 80s today and staying that way through Sunday.<\/p>\n
Skies are clear and the Exact Track 4D radar isn\u2019t showing any rain this morning. <\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve got outdoor plans\u2014or even a little April Fool\u2019s mischief\u2014you\u2019ve got the weather for it. Rain chances are just about 5%for most of us, with a slightly better chance west toward Lake City and Valdosta.<\/p>\n
Most of us will likely stay dry for the next several days. It isn\u2019t until Monday that we see a 40% chance for rain and some cooler air moving in.<\/p>\n
Fire safety tips you need now<\/p>\n
Until the rain does come, there are a few things I want you to remember. <\/p>\n
Please be extra careful with anything that could start a fire. Put out your cigarettes in the right place, don\u2019t park on dry grass because hot exhaust can set it off, and watch out when using power tools.<\/p>\n
Most importantly\u2014if there\u2019s a burn ban in your area, make sure you follow it. <\/p>\n
These are little things, but they can go a long way in keeping everyone safe while we wait for the weather to finally cooperate.<\/p>\n
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