JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Right now, Jacksonville and our surrounding areas are under a red flag warning. That\u2019s the highest fire alert issued by the National Weather Service, and it means fire danger is running extremely high. <\/p>\n
We are seeing ongoing drought\u2014labeled as \u201cexceptional\u201d and \u201cextreme\u201d on the latest Exact Track 4D Drought Monitor. <\/p>\n
Today\u2019s high is expected to reach an eye-popping 96 degrees, with above-average heat sticking around for five straight days. <\/p>\n
Those high temperatures, low humidity, strong winds and dry vegetation are the factors that prompted the red flag warning, which is expected to be active from noon to 8 p.m. today.<\/p>\n
The warning indicates critical fire weather conditions are either happening now or will begin within 24 hours.<\/p>\n
Remember, our rain deficit is very large, and ANY spark can start a fire.<\/p>\n
There are some things we should do to help prevent wildfires from starting or growing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Be aware of any active burn bans<\/p>\n
Avoid open flames or sparks, including grilling<\/p>\n
If you have an outdoor fire (please don\u2019t), never leave it unattended and drown it with plenty of water<\/p>\n
Soak ashes and charcoal in water, and dispose of them in a metal can because those kinds of materials can reignite days after a fire or a barbecue is extinguished<\/p>\n
Keep cars off dry grass, and do not drive your car in dry tall grass because the underside of your car is hot and can easily ignite grass from your exhaust muffler<\/p>\n
Make sure that trailer chains do not drag on the ground<\/p>\n
Avoid using lawnmowers on dry vegetation<\/p>\n
Do not throw cigarette butts on the ground, in vegetation, or out of car windows<\/p>\n
Because of the burn ban here in Duval County, the Jumbo Shrimp are canceling the fireworks shows they had planned after Friday and Saturday night\u2019s games.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Something similar just happened last weekend when the Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach replaced its fireworks show with a \u201cdrone\u201d show instead.<\/p>\n
Severe storms and gusty winds expected<\/p>\n
Temperatures were starting off this morning in the high 60s and low 70s\u2014Jacksonville at 71 degrees, St. Augustine at 72, Brunswick at 72, and Waycross at 68.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s high is expected to reach an eye-popping 96 degrees, with above-average heat sticking around for five straight days. Our highs stay up in the 90s before trending into the 80s by next week.<\/p>\n
Gusty winds are a big part of today\u2019s weather story, too. Wind gusts are forecast to hit the 20s and even 30s mph range this afternoon, which is exactly why The Weather Authority has been sounding the fire alert.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re also tracking a marginal to slight risk for severe weather this afternoon and evening\u2014mostly north of Jacksonville, but storms could edge into our coverage area, especially near the Georgia line.<\/p>\n
The most intense weather, including brief heavy rain and lightning, is likely to develop between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. today before shifting south into the early evening. Much of the day will be partly cloudy until that line sweeps through.<\/p>\n
Severe storms could bring lightning, which is also a wildfire concern because lightning can spark fire, especially when the ground is dry.<\/p>\n
Forecast, advice, and daily details<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re heading out for a walk with your dog, keep in mind those high temperatures. By 1 p.m., it\u2019s forecast to be a hot 92 degrees and partly cloudy. That means the pavement can be dangerous for our pets\u2019 paws\u2014if it feels too hot for you, it\u2019s too hot for them.<\/p>\n
Rain chances are expected to climb from 40% today and Friday to 60% between Saturday and Monday. Our forecast stays on the unsettled side as storms linger into early next week.<\/p>\n
My advice for the next few days: take precautions with anything fire-related, limit strenuous activities during the hottest hours, and stay updated with Exact Track 4D radar alerts right here with News4JAX.<\/p>\n