JACKSONVILLE, FLA – Jacksonville is about to feel the sizzle of an early-season heat wave, as inland temperatures surge into the lower 90s—arriving nearly a month ahead of schedule. This unseasonable warmth will begin on Wednesday and intensify through the weekend before relief comes in the form of a cold front on Monday.
Breaking the Norm
Typically, Jacksonville doesn’t see its first 90-degree day until early May, with Craig Airfield (CRG) and Gainesville (GNV) historically reaching that threshold in late April. However, this year’s heat wave is set to arrive 3-4 weeks ahead of the climatological average, with temperatures pushing into record-breaking territory. The last time our official climate sites recorded 90-degree temperatures was in late September and early October 2024:
- Alma, GA (AMG): September 30, 2024 – 90°F
- Jacksonville, FL (JAX): October 2, 2024 – 90°F
- Craig Airfield (CRG): September 27, 2024 – 90°F
- Gainesville, FL (GNV): October 4, 2024 – 91°F
With this week’s heat wave, those numbers are about to be rewritten.
What to Expect
Wednesday marks the beginning of the temperature spike, with highs climbing well above seasonal norms. As inland areas bake, the warmth will gradually extend toward the coast, peaking on Sunday when Jacksonville could flirt with the 90-degree mark. Several daily records are at risk of falling, with previous highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s set to be challenged.
A Temporary Scorcher
While summer-like heat will dominate the rest of the week, a cold front arriving Monday will bring a welcome cooldown. The pattern shift should bring a return to more typical spring temperatures, offering a brief reprieve before the inevitable summer swelter returns.
Last year, Jacksonville had 102 days at 90°F or warmer—twice as many as a typical year over a 30-year average. But this early heat wave doesn’t necessarily mean we’re in for another record-breaking summer scorcher. With any luck, Mother Nature will show a little mercy this time around.
pattern shift