JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 If you\u2019ve stepped outside in Jacksonville lately, you\u2019ve probably noticed how dry it\u2019s been. <\/p>\n
I\u2019ve been tracking a serious drought across our area, and it\u2019s causing real problems. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what you need to know: parts of North Florida and Southeast Georgia are facing a rainfall deficit of 20 to 25 inches. That\u2019s enough to make anyone shake their head\u2014it almost doesn\u2019t seem real.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not just about the numbers either. <\/p>\n
Wildfires continue to be an issue, with recent fires burning up to 5,000 acres in places like Putnam and Clay counties. <\/p>\n
The risk is high, and fire activity is something I\u2019m watching every day in our Exact Track 4D radar suite.<\/p>\n
Smoke advisory and air quality concerns<\/p>\n
Right now, there\u2019s a dense smoke advisory for Clinch and Echols counties, just north of the Florida border in southeast Georgia. <\/p>\n
Smoke is especially concentrated at ground level during the morning hours because of cooler air and calm winds. In those spots, visibility can drop to half a mile or less.<\/p>\n
My best advice? Stay inside if you can. Keep your pets indoors too, and close your windows. <\/p>\n
And if you do have to head out, change your clothes as soon as you\u2019re back inside\u2014smoke and air particles can cling to fabric. <\/p>\n
The air quality in areas under the advisory is moderate right now, and I\u2019ll continue to monitor as this could change quickly.<\/p>\n
Forecast calls for sunshine, little relief<\/p>\n
I know a lot of you are hoping for some rain to knock down the dust and help with the fires, but unfortunately, meaningful rainfall isn\u2019t expected anytime soon. <\/p>\n
Temperatures will continue to climb into the 80s and even the 90s over the next five days, staying well above our seasonal average of 81 degrees.<\/p>\n
There is just a 20% to 30% chance of a quick shower as we head into the weekend, but it\u2019s not likely to make much difference for the drought or wildfires. <\/p>\n
Sunshine and dry days are in the forecast for now.<\/p>\n
Burn bans remain in effect across many counties in Florida. <\/p>\n
Even if you\u2019re not in a banned zone, it\u2019s best not to burn anything outdoors right now. Always make sure anything flammable is fully out before you walk away.<\/p>\n
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