Jacksonville Recorded Hottest September on Record

The city experienced its warmest September in 2026, surpassing a long-standing record set in 1931.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Current Conditions

A weathered wooden pier stretches into a marshy river under shimmering heat haze and harsh midday sunlight in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville recorded an average temperature of 74.4 degrees in September 2026, marking the city's hottest September since records began in 1931. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Jacksonville reached an average temperature of 74.4 degrees throughout September 2026, marking the city's hottest September on record. This performance eclipsed the previous record of 73.5 degrees established in 1931.

Why it matters

The record-breaking warmth, combined with significantly lower-than-average rainfall, illustrates an extreme departure from historical climate norms in the region. These figures represent a notable deviation from the normal average of 65.7 degrees.

Jacksonville recorded 1.55 inches of rainfall compared to the normal 3.5 inches, while 13 days saw high temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher. Daily peaks included a high of 100 degrees on September 2 and records of 99 and 98 degrees on September 16 and 18.

The details

The month was defined by persistent heat, with daily high temperatures remaining at 90 degrees or better for the first six days and nighttime lows staying at 70 degrees or better for the first five days. This heat wave environment contrasts sharply with the city's typical climatic conditions.

Timeline

  1. 1931: The previous record average temperature was set.

  2. September 2, 2026: The temperature reached a high of 100 degrees.

  3. September 16, 2026: A record high of 99 degrees occurred.

  4. September 18, 2026: A record high of 98 degrees occurred.

  5. September 2026: The record-setting weather month concluded.

Seasonal Patterns

This month stands as a historic departure from the previous record set in 1931, which held for 95 years. The divergence from the normal average temperature of 65.7 degrees highlights a significant shift in recent regional meteorological trends.

Residents should remain aware of ongoing heat safety protocols during periods of extreme high temperatures. Conservation efforts may be necessary to address the reduced rainfall levels observed throughout the month.

The takeaway

The record-setting heat experienced in September 2026 serves as a reminder for residents to monitor local weather alerts and hydration needs during extended warm spells. Adapting to these temperature spikes is increasingly important as historical records are challenged.

Further reading

For more information on regional meteorological trends, visit Current Conditions.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WLDS.

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