NJ Weather: Fire Risk Due To Dry, Windy Conditions, NWS Says

NEW JERSEY — The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook, a fire weather watch and a red flag warning for the majority of New Jersey due to the concern that "Dry conditions with gusty winds may enhance the risk of fire spread during Thursday and Friday."

The weather service said to expect breezy conditions Thursday and Thursday night, and gusts over 45 mph are expected. With a relative humidity as low as 18 percent, officials have said critical fire weather conditions are possible, with increased risk for rapid wildfire growth and spread.

While the entire region may be impacted, in New Jersey the focus is on Sussex, Warren, Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Western Monmouth, Eastern Monmouth, Mercer, Gloucester, Camden, Northwestern Burlington, Ocean, Atlantic, Coastal Atlantic, Coastal Ocean, Southeastern Burlington, Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Essex, and Union counties.

A fire weather watch means weather conditions are favorable to the ignition and rapid spread of fire. The red flag warning means that there is a critical fire weather pattern ongoing and remind residents to be extremely cautious with open flames. In wildfires, this generally includes high temperatures combined with strong winds and low humidity and dry fuels.

Just over a year ago, on March 14 ,2021, there was a massive fire consumed 167 acres of woods in a heavily developed area on the Brick-Lakewood border. The 20 mph winds sent embers across the Garden State Parkway, forcing authorities to shut down the highway in both directions for several hours, along with part of Route 70 and Cedar Bridge Avenue.

The fire destroyed two commercial properties and damaged fences, sheds, vehicles and a boat, threatening 29 homes in Brick Lake Park. Hundreds of people were forced to evacuate as the fire advanced, and embers landed at Lowe's and at Home Depot, causing spot fires. Read More: 'Uncooperative' Witnesses Hinder Brick Wildfire Probe: Prosecutor

It will be dry through the upcoming weekend, with our next chance of rain on Monday and Tuesday, the weather service said.

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