Crews Battle Fires, Burn Bans In Place: Latest On Eastern PA Drought

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Potentially record-breaking weather is predicted for the Philadelphia region this week. High temperatures will trend upward as the week progresses, with highs reaching the 80s on Wednesday and Thursday — well above the historical average.

The warm, dry conditions continue to fuel concerns about brush fires. Several area counties have banned open fires to prevent the spread of wildfire and crews in area communities battled fires over the weekend into Monday morning.

Burn Bans In Place

In Bucks County, a temporary burn ban took effect Sunday. The ban will last 30 days and prohibits open fires, including the incineration of garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper and other materials whether in burn barrels, fire rings or on the ground.

A countywide burn ban has been issued in Chester County for the next month as historic drought conditions persist and the risk of severe wildfires increases. The county commissioners office declared the burn ban, which will last through Nov. 25. The ban prohibits the open burning of "any combustible material" outdoors, including in a burn barrel, fire ring, fire pit, or on the ground.

A countywide burn ban has also been issued in Delaware County. Some municipalities in Montgomery County, including Lower Providence, have also issued burn bans.

Crews Battle Fires

A brush fire was reported in Montgomery County on Sunday. The fire was reported in Gilbertsville and required the response of about 50 firefighters, WFMZ reported.

Fire crews in Bucks County battled a brush fire in Southampton.The Southampton Fire Company reported a fire Sunday afternoon along the 1440 block of Second Street Pike in Southampton.

In Lancaster County, crews battled a 4-acre fire on Monday morning. Crews were able to bring the fire under control around 7 a.m., WGAL reported.

No injuries were reported in any of the fires.

Record-setting Dry Conditions

The Philadelphia region has been experiencing dry conditions for the last month. The last time a measurable amount of rain fell in the area was late September. Philadelphia has recorded less than one inch of rain since Aug. 20. That is just 8 percent of normal rainfall.

There may be a chance some rain will fall this week but forecasters say it won't be widespread.

"One potential for showers will come from late Tuesday to early Wednesday as the leading edge of warm air arrives," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty said, "There may be just enough moisture coming in from the Atlantic to allow a little rain to fall in New York City and southern New England." A second chance for perhaps more general shower activity will come with the approach of cold front from later Thursday to Friday, Douty added.

Here is the current local forecast:

This Afternoon: Sunny, with a high near 62. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Tuesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Friday: A chance of showers between 8am and 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 62.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.