JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Holiday beach plans could turn dangerous as rip currents strengthen along Northeast Florida’s coast through Labor Day Monday. The National Weather Service warns even experienced swimmers can be swept offshore as the threat peaks from late morning through late Monday night.
According to the Weather Service in Jacksonville, the high rip current risk extends across Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, and Flagler County beaches. Visitors should avoid entering the water and stay near lifeguards if swimming is unavoidable. Dangerous surf coincides with afternoon thunderstorms, bringing frequent lightning and brief downpours across the region.
Labor Day travelers on I-95 and U.S. 1 could encounter heavy rain and gusty winds, reducing visibility during peak afternoon traffic. Inland areas, including downtown Jacksonville and Orange Park, can expect scattered storms by early afternoon, with rainfall totals between a half-inch and an inch.
Storms continue into Tuesday before a shift in the weather pattern. Cooler, drier air arrives by midweek, offering relief from the muggy start to September. However, isolated showers remain possible through Wednesday before sunshine dominates later in the week.
Beachgoers should heed posted warnings, never swim alone, and remember to “float and signal” if caught in a rip current. Conditions could ease by Tuesday morning, but advisories may be extended if surf remains strong.
Five-Day Forecast for Jacksonville, FL
- Labor Day Monday: High 82°F, scattered storms, rip current risk. Low 74°F.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, isolated storms, high 84°F. Low 73°F.
- Wednesday: Scattered storms, high 86°F. Low 73°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 89°F. Low 73°F.
- Friday: 30% chance of storms, high 90°F. Low 73°F.
