JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Expect “feels like” temperatures ranging from 103 to 113 degrees through the afternoon today, and actual thermometer readings are expected to reach 100 degrees in Jacksonville and stay in the mid-90s along the coast.
The Weather Authority’s Exact Track 4D radar is showing large sections colored purple signaling an extreme heat warning. An Extreme Heat Warning, means dangerously hot conditions are forecasted with heat index values up to 110 expected. This is in effect until 7 p.m.
Tomorrow we are under a Extreme Heat Watch, for heat index values up to 113 possible.
A level of heat lower are the orange colored counties across Florida and Georgia which are under a Heat Advisory. Here the heat index values can reach up to 112.
Heat wave in Perspective
July is the hottest time of the year and prone to 100 degree days. All but 3 days in July have had prior records at 100 or higher including Sundays record tie of 100 set back in 1872.
Today July 28, would need to reach 104 to hit a record which is unlikely. This marks the hottest day on record for any date in Jacksonville.
Rain and weather pattern changes
According to the latest update, high pressure settling over the Gulf is keeping rain away and allowing these temperatures to climb even higher.
The heat will hit for days staying in th upper 80s through Thursday but today and tomorrow will be the peak in this heat wave.
There’s a bit of relief by the weekend as rain returns but much of the work week will see very few cooling downpours.
By Friday and into the weekend, rain chances grow, and highs may dip to the upper 80s to low 90s.
Heat safety tips
If possible, it’s best to stay inside with air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day.
Calm breezes—mostly under 10 mph—won’t offer much relief, and car interiors can exceed 140 degrees in a short time.
RELATED: Cooling centers remain open as Jacksonville continues to face extreme heat
Please double-check that no children or pets are left in parked vehicles, even briefly.
Have a stunning weather photo or video? Share it with others around Jacksonville using SnapJAX.
Stay tuned to News4JAX and The Weather Authority for updates as conditions change.