N.J. weather: Another beautiful day means elevated fire risk

Another nice weather day brings with it an elevated risk of fires spreading.
The National Weather Service issued an alert Sunday that includes northeastern New Jersey because of the prolonged dry weather, northwest winds ranging from 5 mph to 10 mph and relative humidity values of 20 to 30 percent.
This alert is not as wide spread as the red flag warning that was issued Saturday. Sunday’s alert is for Passaic, Bergen, Essex and parts of Hudson and Union counties.
“Burning is strongly discouraged. Use extra caution if handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery or matches, and ensure to properly extinguish or dispose cigarette butts,” the alert says.
The alert includes the possibility that current fires might spread. The Jennings Creek wildfire, which burned through almost 2,300 acres in New Jersey and another 2,400 acres in New York, spurred evacuations Saturday night after reportedly being 90% contained.
High pressure will continue to build in the region today and control the weather through Tuesday, the National Weather Service said.
Highs today will be in the low to mid 60s. High clouds will move in later in the day and into the night. Low temperatures will be in the upper 30s to low 40s.
The nice weekend weather will continue into the beginning of the week. High pressure will bring sunny skies Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures will be mild with highs both days in the 60s.
Moisture and clouds will increase Tuesday night as the high pressure moves away.
The mild temperatures are expected to end after Wednesday when a low pressure system comes down from the Great Lakes to the Northeast. But this might also bring some rain.
There is an 80% chance of rain Wednesday night and a 50% chance of showers Thursday and Thursday night. Friday there is a 30% chance of rain.
The National Weather Service is also keeping an eye on possible wind hazards Thursday and Friday and the potential for snow showers in higher Northwest elevations on Thursday and Friday nights.
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Allison Pries may be reached at [email protected].

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