Fire Weather Warning Issued In Massachusetts Ahead Of Windy, Dry Day

MASSACHUSETTS — The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for almost the entire state, indicating a higher risk of brush fires due to ultra low humidity and gusty winds.

The red flag warning will be in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Friday for all parts of the state except Cape Cod and the islands. It'll be a sunny day with mild temperatures around 50, although it'll feel cooler due to winds gusting up to 40 mph. Relative humidity will be at a very low 23 percent.

"A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. Any fires that start may spread rapidly and become difficult to extinguish," the weather service said.

Massachusetts is still in the midst of open burning season, a period between Jan. 15 and May 1 when residents in all but 22 highly populated communities can burn brush and other organic materials outdoors during daytime hours. Local fire departments issue permits for burning, but can rescind those during a red flag warning — as the Framingham Fire Department did Friday morning.

Friday's potentially hazardous weather will give way to a mostly pleasant Easter weekend with sun and highs near 50 on both Saturday and Sunday, according to forecasts.