Strong Thunderstorm Risk, Gusty Winds For North Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – The National Weather Service forecast for North Florida and southeast Georgia on Friday, February 27, 2026, indicates potential for a few strong storms.

Showers and isolated storms are expected to move across northeast Florida and southeast Georgia today, with potential for a few strong storms to develop later this afternoon and evening (3-8pm) across northeast Florida. Low thunderstorm chances continue through the night into Saturday.

According to NWS Jacksonville, isolated strong storms may develop, with primary impacts across northeast Florida.

Stronger storms may produce:

• Gusty winds (40-60 mph)
• Small hail
• Heavy downpours
• Frequent lightning

Additionally, ongoing extreme drought conditions combined with gusty winds may lead to elevated wildfire danger today and in upcoming days. No Red Flag Warning is currently in effect, but practice wildfire prevention measures such as avoiding open flames and properly discarding cigarettes.

Rainfall amounts of 0.5-1.5 inches are expected through Saturday, providing some relief amid ongoing extreme drought conditions, though locally higher in stronger storms.

Areas at risk for stronger storms include:

• Jacksonville
• St. Augustine
• Gainesville
• Waycross
• Brunswick

Jacksonville Weather Forecast

Friday Afternoon
Partly sunny, with a high near 80°F. West winds 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Showers likely (70%), with thunderstorms possible after 4pm. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, higher in thunderstorms.

Friday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 58°F. West winds around 10 mph.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy, with a 50% chance of showers after 1pm. High near 68°F. Northeast winds 6 to 11 mph.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 53°F. Northeast winds 3 to 7 mph.

The NWS Jacksonville forecast indicates beneficial rainfall with these showers, providing some moisture amid ongoing extreme drought conditions, while the primary concerns remain damaging winds from any stronger storms and elevated fire danger.