News Summary
Tropical Storm Dexter has formed off the coast of North Carolina, prompting Jacksonville residents to prepare for an active hurricane season. With winds nearing 45 mph, the storm is expected to move east-northeast, posing no direct threat to Florida. The impending hurricane season emphasizes the need for preparedness, especially as historical data shows a spike in hurricane activity during August. Additionally, a heat advisory is in effect, highlighting the urgency for residents to stay vigilant and stocked with essential supplies as the storm season approaches its peak.
Jacksonville Prepares for Active Hurricane Season as Tropical Storm Dexter Forms
Jacksonville, FL – Tropical Storm Dexter has formed off the coast of North Carolina late on August 3, 2025, as the Atlantic Basin is expected to enter an active hurricane period through much of August. With maximum sustained winds nearing 45 mph and higher gusts, Dexter is anticipated to move east-northeast without impacting Florida directly. The storm may lose its tropical characteristics by August 6, 2025.
Residents of Jacksonville and surrounding areas are urged to prepare for potential hurricanes as the hurricane season approaches its peak around September 10. Historical data indicates that approximately 30 major hurricanes have struck the U.S. in August over the past 175 years, emphasizing the importance of readiness in this critical period.
As the heat index values in Jacksonville soar, ranging between 106 and 112 degrees due to high humidity, a heat advisory is currently in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for Northeast and North Central Florida, including Southeast Georgia. With temperatures high enough to facilitate tropical development, water temperatures in the region are at or above 80 degrees, a key factor in the formation of storms such as Dexter.
Currently, the chance of isolated showers or thunderstorms stands at 10% for the late afternoon of August 3. Meteorologists are also observing several systems in the Atlantic, including one located off the U.S. East Coast with a 40% chance of development. Despite the tropical moisture expected to produce heavy rain from the southeastern U.S. to the northeastern Gulf Coast over the coming weekend, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates that no additional tropical activity is forecasted in the next seven days.
As part of disaster preparedness efforts, Florida residents can benefit from a permanent sales tax exemption on select disaster supplies, which became effective August 1, 2025. This initiative aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by families as they stock up on essential items in anticipation of storms.
Meanwhile, Jacksonville also recently reached its yearly average for 90-degree days (82 days) on August 3, 2025, with temperatures potentially approaching the all-time record of 114 days recorded in 2011. The combination of high temperatures and humidity, compounded by impending tropical activity, heightens the urgency for residents to remain vigilant and prepared during this time.
In a community-oriented initiative, the ‘Visit Jacksonville’ organization is hosting a photo contest from July 29, 2025, to August 24, 2025, encouraging participation and engagement among residents and visitors alike.
For educators, NOAA has made available a variety of educational resources covering weather and oceanic topics to enhance understanding of climatic phenomena such as hurricanes. These resources serve as a valuable tool for teachers looking to incorporate relevant and engaging content into their curricula.
As the region braces for what could be a challenging hurricane season, Jacksonville’s residents are advised to stay informed and maintain an emergency preparedness plan. The first named storm of the season, Tropical Storm Dexter, is a reminder of the potential storms ahead and the critical importance of readiness.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Power Outage Affects Over 1,500 Customers in Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville Breaks July Heat Records
High School Football Teams Prepare for Season in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Schools Prepare for High School Football Season
Jacksonville Schools Honor Top High School Football Specialists
Jacksonville Beach Proposes $200 Million Budget
Jacksonville Faces Extreme Heat with Cooling Centers Open
Florida Lawmakers Approve Permanent Sales Tax Exemptions
Florida Reports Fatalities Linked to Vibrio vulnificus Infections
Jacksonville Braces for Active Weather with Storm Threats
Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Tropical Storm Dexter Tracker
- First Coast News: Tracking Tropics – Tropical Storm Dexter
- News4Jax: Prepare a Hurricane Kit
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Season
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
