A red flag warning is in effect across Long Island, New York City and the lower Hudson Valley until 7 p.m. today due to expected critical fire weather conditions, the National Weather Service in New York said today.
A red flag warning is issued when a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels will create a significantly elevated fire growth potential, the weather service said in a statement.
Northwest winds of 10-15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph and relative humidity as low as 26% are expected today, according to the forecast.
The time period for the highest wind gusts and lowest relative humidity will be between 2 and 5 p.m., the weather service said. It will remain dry on Sunday, but winds will be significantly less, according to the forecast.
These conditions mean that should ignition occur, rapid fire spread can be expected, the weather service said.
“Be sure to properly extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials such as cigarette butts,” the weather service said.
The warning comes as the region continues to experience unusually dry weather with near-record high temperatures this fall.
Gov. Kathy Hochul yesterday announced a new real-time weather data tool to help inform New Yorkers when there is an increased risk of wildfires.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation and New York State Mesonet at the University at Albany researchers are utilizing data from the university’s statewide weather network to generate daily fire danger ratings to offer more reliable wildfire information and improve public safety, the governor said in the press release. The tool is available online here.
“We’re seeing the effects of climate change in real time, with dangerous wildfire seasons across the continent year after year,” Hochul said. “We want to make sure the state has the latest tools and information to prepare for and respond to wildfires to ensure our communities and resources are protected.”
Wildfire risk across the entire state is high right now, the governor said.
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