JACKSONVILLE, Florida – The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a severe weather outlook for North Florida, due to the risk of severe thunderstorms across north Florida ahead of an approaching cold front on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Afternoon and Evening Storm Risks According to NWS Jacksonville, strong to isolated severe thunderstorms are possible during the afternoon and evening on Wednesday. Storm coverage on Wednesday should be greatest between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. north of a line from Palm Coast to Ocala. Stronger storms will be capable of producing: Damaging winds (40-60 mph), capable of impacting structures and trees. Isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out. Heavy downpours, which may lead to localized flooding in areas already saturated from recent rainfall. Frequent lightning strikes, which may be fatal to people and pets who remain outside. [caption id="attachment_7653" align="aligncenter" width="725"] National Weather Service Jacksonville Severe Weather Forecast for North Florida Wednesday May 21, 2025.[/caption] The greatest chance for severe weather is along the I-10 corridor. North Florida cities at risk for severe weather include: Jacksonville Jacksonville Beach Saint Augustine Palm Coast Ocala Palatka Gainesville Lake City Live Oak The rain and cloud coverage will bring some much needed relief to North Florida from the excessive heat this week. [caption id="attachment_7618" align="aligncenter" width="965"] National Weather Service forecast map showing the warmest heat index across Florida on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.[/caption] Heat indices across North Florida will drop from the high 90s on Wednesday to high 80s on Thursday. [caption id="attachment_7619" align="aligncenter" width="965"] National Weather Service forecast map showing the warmest heat index across Florida on Thursday, May 22, 2025.[/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] National Weather Service Jacksonville Weather Radar for North Florida[/caption] Jacksonville Weather Forecast Wednesday A 30 percent chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Breezy, with a west wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Wednesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Breezy, with a west wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. North wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.