Dangerous and prolonged heat will remain the biggest weather concern across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia through the end of the workweek. Afternoon highs will climb into the upper 90s, while oppressive humidity pushes peak heat index values between 107° and 115°. Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Warnings are likely each day through Friday, with the most dangerous conditions expected between noon and 6 p.m. Overnight lows will only fall into the upper 70s and lower 80s, providing very little relief.
Tuesday will feature increasing clouds, a high near 97° and a heat index as high as 111°. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will begin developing late in the afternoon, mainly after 5 p.m., with rain chances near 60%. A few storms could produce frequent lightning, gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall before activity gradually diminishes late Tuesday evening.
Wednesday may become the hottest day of the week. Mostly sunny skies will send temperatures to around 98°, with the heat index approaching 110° or higher. Only isolated late-afternoon storms are expected, with rain chances near 30%. Warm and muggy conditions will continue Wednesday night as temperatures settle near 78°.
The combination of intense heat and scattered storms will continue Thursday and Friday. Highs will reach the upper 90s both days, with a 50% chance of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Any storm could briefly cool temperatures, but dangerous heat will remain possible before storms develop.
Temperatures will ease slightly over the weekend as rain coverage increases. Saturday will bring a 60% chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms with a high near 94°. Sunday will remain hot and humid with a high around 94°, although storm coverage should become more isolated.
The City of Jacksonville Cooling Center Contingency Plan remains active in response.
When activated Monday-Saturday, Cooling Centers will be available at various City of Jacksonville (COJ) facilities during normal hours of operation. These facilities stay open on their regular schedule regardless of whether activation thresholds are met, and they include:
- All COJ Public Libraries (21 libraries): Accessible and air-conditioned spaces.
- All COJ Community Centers (20 centers): Available in multiple neighborhoods.
- All Splash Pads (18 pads) and Cecil Aquatics Center (the other COJ pools are now only open on weekends due to school being back in session): Provide immediate cooling relief.
Free rides to cooling centers are available through the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) on activation days. Riders must let the bus driver know they’re headed to a Cooling Center. Given the severity of Tuesday’s warning, please take extra precautions if you have outdoor plans:
- Avoid outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if at all possible. If you must be outside, find shade and take frequent breaks in cooler areas.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, as temperatures can quickly become dangerously high and potentially fatal.
- Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke — dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, seek medical help immediately and move to a cooler environment.
For additional information on Stay Cool Jax, visit Jacksonville.gov/StayCoolJax or JaxReady.com/StayCoolJax, which features details on locations, hours of operation, and amenities for all Cooling Centers throughout Jacksonville.