Jacksonville faces worsening drought and wildfire risk as high winds and limited rainfall impact the area. News4JAX Meteorologist Katie Garner shares the latest safety updates and forecast details.
21 minutes agoRead full article: Traffic Alert: Deadly crash closes all lanes of I-10 eastbound at Chaffee Road News4JAX is honoring Military Appreciation Month with Help on the Home Front, a community-driven campaign in partnership with the USO and presenting sponsor Navy Federal Credit Union.
Help on the Homefront: News4JAX launches campaign for Military Appreciation Month with USO, Navy Federal Credit Union Read full article: Help on the Homefront: News4JAX launches campaign for Military Appreciation Month with USO, Navy Federal Credit Union The photo provided by the Office of Gov. Brian Kemp shows smoke produced from a wildfire in Brantley County, Ga. , Friday, April 24, 2026. Brantley County wildfire smoke drifts into Glynn County; evacuees seek help at Brunswick Red Cross shelter– I’m seeing the drought in our area get worse, not better. Right now, we’re talking about “exceptional” conditions on the drought monitor, especially from Macclenny down into Jacksonville. That’s the most serious drought level, and it’s exactly what I’m tracking on News4JAX’s Exact Track 4D radar. We’ve also got pockets of “extreme drought” in the lighter red zones on the map.
The fire danger is huge. Some of these fires aren’t very well-contained, which is always worrying when you add wind to the mix. The rainfall deficit is now over 25 inches in Jacksonville itself, and between 15 and 20 inches from Brunswick to Waycross—right where we’re seeing the worst fire threats. I know some of us saw a downpour yesterday, but brief spurts of heavy rain just aren’t enough to make up that kind of deficit.
The sun came back out fast, so many areas dried right back up. Wind is a big problem. Gusts in the 15-25 mph range are expected to stick around through today, tomorrow, and likely into Wednesday as well. And with the ground still so dry, those kinds of wind speeds can really drive these fires, moving hot spots to new areas.
Even if the ground feels a touch wet after a shower, it’s just not enough to tamp down the danger for long. The air quality right now is moderate, but thick smoke is out there, especially near active fires. Whether you have asthma, COPD, emphysema, or you just want to breathe a bit easier, the best advice is: Stay inside, close your windows, and bring the pets in.
If you’re driving, it’s always smart to use that “recirculate air” feature so nothing from outside gets in. If you catch photos or video of heavy smoke, dramatic skies, or conditions in your neighborhood, you can share them with us atAbout 20,000 acres burned by Brantley County Highway 82 wildfireHighway 82 fire in Brantley County grows to 9,200 acresUK Jaguars fans show up on second night of NFL draft to cheer on their adopted teamConstant evacuations ordered amid fast-growing Brantley County wildfireMultiple freezes, lack of rain and the wind.
Live from Brantley County and the ongoing firesVoices of the 904 Ep. 4: His path planted the seeds to turn grief into growth in JacksonvilleHome of 83-year-old woman the only place left standing after devastating fireBrantley County fire leaves trail of destruction, destroying 87 homesWildfire scorches cemetery but graves survive in Brantley CountyBrantley County cafe making food for firefightersFood trucks give back to Brantley County communityMicrogreen madness II It's brunch-tastic! Warning: If you're hungry, this may make you hangry
Drought Weather Forecast Jacksonville Fire Danger Forecast Weather Brantley Fire
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