Florida weather is turning steamy and stormy across Jacksonville this afternoon as humid air surges inland from the Atlantic and thunderstorms begin bubbling near the coast. Darkening skies and sticky heat settled over Duval County late this morning while traffic slowed along I-95 and the Arlington Expressway under bursts of light rain. Conditions may change quickly after lunchtime as storms strengthen across northeast Florida.
According to the National Weather Service, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop after midafternoon with temperatures climbing near 87 degrees. Gusty winds, lightning and brief downpours remain the main concerns through evening hours. A rip current statement also remains in effect for area beaches into Memorial Day morning, creating dangerous surf conditions for swimmers along Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach.
Meteorologists are now tracking a prolonged stretch of humid, summer-like weather through midweek. Temperatures rise into the upper 80s Tuesday through Thursday while afternoon thunderstorm chances continue increasing each day. Some storms may produce localized flooding on low-lying roads where repeated rainfall develops.
Drivers should remain alert during the evening commute. Heavy rain could quickly reduce visibility on I-295, Philips Highway and Beach Boulevard. Lightning may also interrupt outdoor Memorial Day events and beach activities with little warning. Keep phones charged and monitor radar frequently before heading outdoors.
The broader Southeast remains trapped in an active late-spring weather pattern, with repeated rounds of storms stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Carolinas. While widespread severe weather is not expected around Jacksonville, isolated stronger thunderstorms could still produce small hail and wind gusts above 40 mph.
Long-range outlooks continue favoring above-normal temperatures late next week, signaling early summer heat and humidity may settle firmly across northeast Florida heading into June.
Five Day Outlook for Jacksonville, Florida
- Memorial Day: Mostly sunny with scattered afternoon thunderstorms. High near 88.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny with a chance of storms. High near 89.
- Wednesday: Thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. High near 88.
- Thursday: Partly sunny with storms developing late. High near 88.
- Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High near 87.
