Special Weather Statement Issued Due To Weekend Fire Risk In PA

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Officials are warning residents to avoid fires this weekend across the Philadelphia region due to conditions that will make it favorite for spreading.

"There continues to be an increased risk of fire spread into this evening," the National Weather Service said in a special weather statement Friday afternoon. "Relative humidity values range from around 25 to 35 percent across much of the area. These low relative humidity
values are combined with west winds around 10 to 15 mph and temperatures in the low to mid 60s, and abundant sunshine."

The weather conditions could be favorable to the spread of any fires that ignite, "which
could quickly become difficult to control."

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, officials said.

Additionally, residents should be sure to be careful with potential ignition sources, including
smoking materials such as cigarette butts. Relative humidity values will be similar on Saturday, with stronger wind gusts.

The area has experienced very little rain in recent weeks.

The extended forecast shows little, if any, precipitation in the forecast.