Dangerous heat will be the primary weather concern Thursday across Northeast Florida. A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. as temperatures climb into the upper 90s and high humidity pushes heat index values as high as 110 degrees.
Thursday will begin mostly sunny before a few showers and thunderstorms develop during the afternoon, mainly after 2 p.m. Rain coverage will remain fairly limited at around 30 percent, but any storm that develops could produce frequent lightning, heavy rainfall and gusty winds. Storm chances increase to approximately 40 percent Thursday evening before activity gradually fades overnight. Temperatures will only fall into the upper 70s.
Another hot and humid afternoon is expected Friday, with a high near 95 degrees and heat index values potentially reaching 107. Sunshine will give way to increasing clouds and scattered thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Rain coverage rises to around 50 percent, with most storms diminishing before midnight.
The weekend will bring a better opportunity for widespread rain. Showers and thunderstorms become likely after 11 a.m. Saturday, with rain chances reaching 70 percent. Saturday’s high will be near 93 degrees, followed by another round of evening storms.
Sunday will not be a washout, but scattered showers and thunderstorms remain possible, with rain chances near 40 percent and a high around 93. Typical late-summer conditions continue into early next week, featuring highs in the lower to middle 90s and daily chances for afternoon thunderstorms.
Anyone spending time outside Thursday should take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon. Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle.