Jacksonville, Florida – A five-hour window of critical fire danger will peak this afternoon across inland northeast Florida, where low humidity and gusty winds could cause fires to spread rapidly between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a Red Flag Warning is in effect for areas between the I-75 and I-95 corridors, including Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Alachua, Marion, and Columbia counties. Relative humidity is expected to drop as low as 25 percent while southwest to west winds increase to around 15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.
Temperatures climbing to near 87 degrees will further dry out already stressed vegetation, creating conditions where even a small spark could ignite a fast-moving wildfire, including western Duval, eastern Clay, and inland Nassau counties face the highest concern during peak afternoon heating.
Emergency officials warn that any existing fires could behave unpredictably, and new fires may spread quickly under these conditions. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and residents should avoid activities that could create sparks, including equipment use on dry grass.
The highest risk will ease after sunset as humidity recovers, but fire crews remain on alert through the evening. Additional warnings could be issued if conditions persist into early week.
