Dangerous heat and dry conditions<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Hi friends, Katie Garner here with The Weather Authority. If you\u2019ve felt like things are getting hotter around Jacksonville lately, you\u2019re spot on. We\u2019re waking up to temperatures already in the upper 60s and low 70s, and those numbers will soar quickly as the day goes on.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re talking highs in the upper 80s and right into the low 90s through most of the next five days. The Exact Track 4D radar and our forecast graphics have shown a pretty steady run of 90, 91, and even 92 degrees in some spots.<\/p>\n
These 90s aren\u2019t just a little warmer than average \u2014 you\u2019ll really feel the difference, especially compared to those mid-80s days we left behind.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not just about comfort either. The region is in the middle of a major drought, which means fire danger is very real. With the kind of wind gusts we\u2019re seeing \u2014 sometimes strong enough to move flames fast \u2014 it\u2019s extra important to be cautious around anything that could spark a fire.<\/p>\n
I mention this every day because it matters. Water your lawn, sure, but don\u2019t let your guard down when it comes to open flames or even tossing a cigarette. I want everyone to stay safe.<\/p>\n
Rain chances for the holiday weekend<\/p>\n
Now, let\u2019s talk about your upcoming holiday weekend. The good news is that the latest runs of Exact Track 4D have lowered the chance for rain Saturday. I had it up at around 50 percent before, but now it\u2019s closer to a 30 percent chance for scattered rain. Sunday, we see a slight uptick again, but nothing widespread is expected.<\/p>\n
Most of this rain could drift in from the Atlantic, hitting areas southwest of Jacksonville like Gainesville and Green Cove Springs more than others. Still, I\u2019d suggest having both a plan A and a plan B, just in case you want to keep those outdoor activities flexible.<\/p>\n
Staying safe outdoors<\/p>\n
With the combination of high heat and our dry stretch, please think twice about heavy outdoor work or exercise. If you have to be out, try to move those workouts inside \u2014 trust me, your body will thank you.<\/p>\n
If staying indoors just isn\u2019t in the cards, stick to the \u201cwork for 20 minutes, rest for 20 minutes\u201d rule, and keep your water bottle handy. Morning bus stop temperatures will be around 70 degrees with plenty of sun, but by the time school lets out it\u2019s expected to be close to 88 degrees, so dress for heat and keep an eye on the sky.<\/p>\n
Remember, these are my best observations and forecasts as of now. Things can change, especially in a season like this, so keep checking News4JAX and Exact Track 4D for the latest updates.<\/p>\n
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