Wildfire Threat To Increase This Afternoon, National Weather Service Says

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - It's been a beautiful October week in New Jersey with no rain, making for beautiful fall days.

But that pristine weather will come at a price, starting this afternoon. The National Weather Service says a cold front will push its way into the region today. Northwest winds are expected to ramp up to 10 to 15 miles per hour, with gusts up to 20 miles per hour into this afternoon.

The drier air mass will drop relative humidity levels to 25 to 30 percent.

Fuels in woods and forests are dry owing to lack of precipitation.

"These conditions could potentially support an enhanced risk for the spread of wildfires by late morning or the afternoon," the NWS said in a hazardous weather statement.

The upcoming weekend is expected to be sunny and warm, with highs in the 70s.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller