JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Hey Jacksonville! Storms and wet weather are on the move, and I\u2019ve got your latest forecast right here on News4JAX with The Weather Authority.<\/p>\n
As I saw on our Exact Track 4D radar this morning, rain is spreading across parts of our area, especially around St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, World Golf Village, and stretching up toward Georgia. <\/p>\n
When I drove in, some spots were dry, but that\u2019s changing fast. Areas like Middleburg, Orange Park, Pomona Park, Palatka, and even Folkestone are expecting showers to build through the day.<\/p>\n
For those closer to the coast\u2014while some spots are still clear, a wind advisory is in effect right now. That means gusts strong enough to knock branches around and pose a risk to power lines.<\/p>\n
If you see saturated ground, don\u2019t be surprised\u2014uprooted trees are possible as rain continues, so keep an eye out.<\/p>\n
According to our future track, this pattern is expected to stick around right through the afternoon and into the evening. <\/p>\n
More rain is likely Wednesday, too. It\u2019s not the sunniest news, but this is just what we\u2019ve been hoping for to help kick our drought.<\/p>\n
Jacksonville\u2019s drought and rainfall deficit<\/p>\n
I want to be real with you: our rain deficit has been serious. The numbers and drought maps we showed this morning put much of the region solidly \u201cin the red.\u201d <\/p>\n
We actually need more than 20 inches of rain to fully erase the deficit\u2014and while this week\u2019s forecast will help, it\u2019s not likely to close the gap entirely.<\/p>\n
The good news? The storms today and tomorrow are chipping away at that shortfall. <\/p>\n
Let\u2019s keep looking on the bright side\u2014every drop helps, and right now, we need every one!<\/p>\n
Cooler temps now, warmer weekend ahead<\/p>\n
With the clouds and rain, it\u2019s a milder start to the day\u2014around 61 degrees as I was walking through the forecast. Most neighborhoods are waking up to 50s and 60s this week, which feels like a big shift after recent warmth!<\/p>\n
But don\u2019t pack away the sunglasses or short sleeves yet. Looking ahead on our 7-day, temperatures are forecast to bounce back to the 80s by the weekend and into Monday. That means beach weather is on the horizon if you\u2019re eager to get outdoors again. First, we just need to get through these next couple of soggy days.<\/p>\n