Jacksonville, Fla. – Sunshine is already heating the pavement across northeast Florida late this morning, and the air feels much heavier than the thermometer suggests. The hottest part of the day is still ahead, but changing skies later this afternoon could quickly replace intense heat with lightning, gusty winds and tropical downpours.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, dry weather dominates through much of the day before scattered thunderstorms begin developing later this afternoon. Temperatures will climb to around 94 degrees, while humidity pushes the heat index as high as 103 degrees, making outdoor activities increasingly uncomfortable and potentially hazardous.
The morning remains favorable for beach trips, yard work and outdoor events, but conditions will become less predictable by late afternoon. Forecasters expect a 30% chance of thunderstorms Sunday, followed by a much wetter pattern early next week. While severe weather is not expected to be widespread today, stronger storms could still produce brief torrential rain, dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning and gusty winds. An isolated stronger storm cannot be ruled out.
Drivers on Interstate 95, Interstate 10, Butler Boulevard and Interstate 295 should prepare for rapidly changing visibility if thunderstorms develop during the afternoon or evening. Wet pavement can quickly reduce stopping distances, especially during Florida’s first heavy downpour after a dry stretch.
Stay hydrated if spending time outdoors. Take frequent breaks in the shade, wear lightweight clothing and never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles, where temperatures rise rapidly.
Sunday remains hot with highs around 92 degrees before scattered thunderstorms become more common. Rain chances increase further Monday with thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. Additional rounds of scattered storms remain possible Tuesday through the end of the workweek as typical midsummer weather settles over northeast Florida.
The Climate Prediction Center continues to favor above-normal temperatures across the Southeast during the 6-to-10-day outlook, suggesting summer heat will remain a dominant weather story despite frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Stay weather-aware if you have outdoor plans later today, and keep an eye on the sky as storms begin to develop. Are conditions staying sunny where you are, or are the clouds already starting to build?
Five-Day Forecast for Jacksonville, Florida
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, then a 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High 92°F.
- Monday: Slight chance of storms early, then thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. High 92°F. 70% chance of rain.
- Tuesday: 40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High 92°F.
- Wednesday: 40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High 94°F.
- Thursday: 50% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High 93°F. Above-normal temperatures are expected to continue into late next week.
