Jacksonville, Florida – Strong northwest winds and critically low humidity are setting the stage for explosive wildfire growth across northeast Florida and southeast Georgia through early evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday. Winds will average around 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, while relative humidity drops as low as 26 percent. Afternoon temperatures will climb into the low 50s, further drying already parched vegetation amid ongoing extreme drought conditions.
The warning spans Duval, Clay, St. Johns and Nassau counties in Florida, including Jacksonville, along with Coffee, Ware, Camden and Glynn counties in Georgia. Fire officials warn that any new ignition could spread rapidly and existing wildfires may become difficult to contain under shifting gusts.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Residents should avoid activities that could spark flames, including debris burning or parking vehicles on dry grass. Fire crews remain on heightened alert through sunset.
Conditions are expected to improve after 7 p.m. as winds ease and humidity begins to recover, but elevated fire danger may persist if dry weather continues this week.
