Extreme drought and fire hazard<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 We are dry\u2014really dry. In fact, this is the driest period we\u2019ve seen since official records began back in the 1800s. If you\u2019ve been hoping for some rain, believe me, you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n
The drought monitor on Exact Track 4D shows that much of our area is now under extreme to exceptional drought. What does that mean for us? Well, we\u2019ve got a rainfall deficit of 15 to 25 inches across parts of Northeast Florida.<\/p>\n
Aside from brown grass and thirsty plants, there\u2019s a real risk out there: fire danger is high, and you can see it on our fire and smoke map. There are hot spots all over, signaling that conditions are ripe for fires. Many of these get started accidentally\u2014think flicked cigarettes, cars parked on dry grass, boat trailer chains dragging sparks, and power tools.<\/p>\n
I talk about this a lot because it\u2019s that important. Getting into this level of drought took time, and it\u2019s going to take time to get out. Please be extra cautious with anything that might spark a fire.<\/p>\n
Record highs expected this week<\/p>\n
Ready for some big numbers on the thermometer? Right now, readings are mild\u201462 degrees if you\u2019re stepping outside in Jacksonville, 50s as you head inland toward Macclenny, and 60s closer to the coast.<\/p>\n
But the highs are making news. Our average high for this time of year is 79 degrees, but the forecast says we\u2019re heading for near-record territory: 87 degrees today, 89 on Thursday, and 92 both Friday and Saturday. Sunday\u2019s not cooling much, still around 91.<\/p>\n
Prepare for heat, especially this weekend. If you\u2019re headed out, pack your sunscreen and stay hydrated. The good news? It looks like 70s are expected to be back by Monday or Tuesday, which will feel more like normal.<\/p>\n
Rain chances remain very slim<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re hoping for a quick end to this dry spell, keep the sprinklers handy. The forecast only gives us a 10% chance of rain on Sunday and Monday, which really doesn\u2019t count for much. Our Exact Track 4D futurecast is showing no real relief, so expect the dry, sunny pattern to continue through the weekend.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve got outdoor plans, enjoy the sunshine! But do think about fire safety and sun protection while we wait on that long-overdue rain.<\/p>\n
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