JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Our familiar sea breeze is about to pack an extra punch.
As a heat wave builds early this week, the classic summertime wind will intensify, bringing gusty onshore flow that will be stronger the normal.
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Typically, sea breezes around 12-16 mph develop in the afternoon due to the sharp contrast between land and ocean temperatures. When the sun heats the land faster than the ocean, warm air rises, drawing in cooler air from over the water.
The greater the temperature difference, the stronger the resulting breeze.
But this effect will be especially pronounced in Northeast Florida over the next few days, as ocean temperatures hover in the upper 60s while inland highs soar to record levels around 90°F.
This unusually strong early-April thermal gradient will drive gusty onshore winds well inland.
Along the coast, residents can expect cooling gusts of 20-30 mph into the early evening. Inland areas will also feel the breeze, providing some relief from the intense daytime heat after a few baking hours that feel more like June.
However, without summer humidity, widespread afternoon thunderstorms are unlikely beyond Wednesday.
These fresh winds will also elevate the risk of rip currents through the weekend, so exercise caution if venturing into the cool Atlantic surf.