JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Summer heat is arriving ahead of schedule in Northeast Florida, and the next several days will bring the hottest temperatures so far this year.
A heatwave is building, with highs expected to soar to 96 degrees from Friday through Sunday. That kind of heat is typically reserved for late June or July, but it’s showing up early. For those who remember last year, this trend isn’t exactly a surprise. Last May, we reached 96 degrees about a week earlier than we’re expecting this year.
It’s been a warmer-than-normal spring overall with eight 90°F plus days to date. Thursday’s high reaches 93 degrees, matching the temperature we hit back on April 27.
In April alone, Jacksonville logged five days of 90 degrees or higher—marking the most 90-degree days in April since 2011, which had nine.
The forecasted 96-degree highs over the weekend bring us close to tying daily records. While technically not unprecedented, this early heat feels may be jarring for some because it hasn’t been consistent like in summer.
It could feel much worse
The lack of August-style humidity means the heat index won’t skyrocket.
“Feels like” temperatures may briefly hit 100, but it won’t be oppressive. Dew points are only in the 60s, keeping the risk for heat stroke low. Cooler overnight lows in the 60s will offer some relief.
Despite the early season sizzle, we will soon be in familiar territory.
Jacksonville recorded 92 days hitting 90 degrees or higher in 2024, including 34 days which were at 95 degrees or hotter. For perspective, the 20-year average for Jacksonville is 82 such days, with about 18 hitting the 95-degree mark.
This heat wave is the headline, and while it may feel early, it’s not shocking given our recent climate trends.