Hot stretch rolls in this weekend<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Hi, it\u2019s Katie Garner with The Weather Authority, and I want to get you prepped for the hottest weather so far this spring.<\/p>\n
If you step outside in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Brunswick, Waycross, or even Macclenny, it\u2019s going to feel pretty comfortable early in the day, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s.<\/p>\n
But by the afternoon, we\u2019re shooting up to the low and mid-90s\u2014well above our usual high temperatures around 80 degrees. That pattern looks like it\u2019ll stick with us through Sunday!<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re planning anything outdoors, make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen. The sun will be out most of the time, and there\u2019s barely a hint of rain in the picture until next week.<\/p>\n
Extreme drought and fire alert<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s something I\u2019m really concerned about: our drought monitor is lighting up with \u201cextreme\u201d to \u201cexceptional\u201d conditions nearly everywhere in our area. Jacksonville and surrounding towns are all facing a rainfall deficit of 20 to 25 inches or more.<\/p>\n
That dry streak doesn\u2019t just mean brown lawns\u2014it also means a higher risk of fire. I want to remind you to keep vehicles off dry grass, watch for sparks if you\u2019re using power tools or hauling trailers, and never toss cigarette butts outside.<\/p>\n
Maps on Exact Track 4D are showing multiple hotspots for fire and smoke, so every bit of safety counts.<\/p>\n
Minimal rain and conserving water<\/p>\n
There isn\u2019t much relief in sight. As of now, rain chances are holding steady at about 10 percent Sunday into Monday, but that could change. I\u2019m watching the models closely and will update my forecast if new data suggests a better shot at rain.<\/p>\n
Because the ground is so dry, I\u2019m urging everyone to water lawns only once a week\u2014just enough to keep things alive without wasting water. Every effort helps as we all get through this stretch together.<\/p>\n
Stay updated and share your photos<\/p>\n