Strong Thunderstorms, Gusty Winds For North Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – The National Weather Service forecast for North Florida and southeast Georgia on Friday, March 6, 2026, indicates potential for isolated strong storms.

Showers and isolated storms are expected to develop over inland northeast Florida today, with potential for isolated strong storms to develop later this afternoon and evening (2-8pm) mainly towards the I-75 corridor in northeast Florida. Low thunderstorm chances may continue through the night into Saturday.

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

Stronger storms may produce:

• Gusty winds (40-50 mph)
• Small hail
• Brief downpours

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.

Isolated showers and thunderstorms may provide some relief amid ongoing extreme drought conditions, with locally higher amounts in stronger storms.

Areas at risk for stronger storms include:

• Live Oak
• Gainesville
• Lake City
• Ocala

Jacksonville Weather Forecast

Friday Afternoon
Mostly sunny, with a high near 83°F. East winds 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm (20%). New rainfall amounts generally low, higher in thunderstorms.

Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 63°F. Patchy fog after 2am. Southeast winds 5 to 8 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Saturday
Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 83°F. Light southeast wind increasing to 6 to 11 mph in the morning.

Saturday Night
Areas of fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 63°F. South winds 3 to 7 mph.

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