'Red Flag Alert,' On Tap For Monmouth County Today

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ - The National Weather Service has issued another "Red Flag Warning" today for the increased risk of wildfires due to low humidity levels and rising temperatures.

It's the fourth day in a row that conditions are ripe for wildfires. The Red Flag Alert, which affects southern and central New Jersey, will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. tonight.

Although the relative humidity level has risen to around 30 percent, it's still very low. The strongest winds and lowest humidity values will occur from 3 p.m. to 6 pm.

"A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels," the NWS says. "Any fires that develop may quickly get out of control and become difficult to contain."

Temperatures today will be in the upper 70s to low 80s near the coast and in the upper 80s to lower 90s inland. Winds will be west to southwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour, with gusts to 25 miles per hour.

"The combination of low fuel moisture, low relative humidity and gusty winds will contribute to the enhanced spread of fires," the NWS says.

For more information about wildfire danger, burn restriction, and
wildfire prevention and education, please click here.
Map: Courtesy of New Jersey Forest Fire Service