Friday, October 18, 2024

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Elevated Risk of Wildfires (Oct 18th-20th)

We continue to have dry conditions here in New Jersey with most of the State being under either abnormally dry conditions or a moderate drought. Among the factors contributing to an elevated risk of wildfires are these dry conditions, wind, and a low relative humidity are also factors. According to the Fire Weather Watch issued by the National Weather Service at Mt Holly this morning, the elevated risk of wildfires is forecast to continue through the weekend. The Facebook post from the National Weather Service at Mt. Holly New Jersey is a good reminder of what we can do try to prevent wildfires. Thanks to the New Jersey Forest who are on alert today to fight any wildfires that crop up.


Special Weather Statement National Weather Service 
Mount Holly NJ 302 AM EDT 
Fri Oct 18 2024 DEZ001>004-MDZ012-015-019-020-NJZ001-007>010-012>027-PAZ054-055- 060>062-070-071-101>106-182300- 
New Castle-Kent-Inland Sussex-Delaware Beaches-Kent MD- Queen Annes-Talbot-Caroline-Sussex-Warren-Morris-Hunterdon- Somerset-Middlesex-Western Monmouth-Eastern Monmouth-Mercer-Salem- Gloucester-Camden-Northwestern Burlington-Ocean-Cumberland- Atlantic-Cape May-Atlantic Coastal Cape May-Coastal Atlantic- Coastal Ocean-Southeastern Burlington-Carbon-Monroe-Berks-Lehigh- Northampton-Delaware-Philadelphia-Western Chester-Eastern Chester- Western Montgomery-Eastern Montgomery-Upper Bucks-Lower Bucks- Including the cities of Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, Rehoboth Beach, Chestertown, Centreville, Easton, Denton, Newton, Washington, Morristown, Flemington, Somerville, New Brunswick, Freehold, Sandy Hook, Trenton, Pennsville, Glassboro, Camden, Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Mount Holly, Jackson, Millville, Hammonton, Cape May Court House, Ocean City, Atlantic City, Long Beach Island, Wharton State Forest, Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Reading, Allentown, Bethlehem, Media, Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Oxford, West Chester, Kennett Square, Collegeville, Pottstown, Norristown, Lansdale, Chalfont, Perkasie, Morrisville, and Doylestown
302 AM EDT Fri Oct 18 2024

 ...Increased Risk of Fire Spread through This Afternoon... There is an increased risk of fire spread through this afternoon. Relative humidity values are expected to fall to around 20% to 25% across much of the area. This will be combined with north to northeast winds near 10 to 15 mph, with sporadic gusts of 18 to 20 mph possible at times, temperatures in the mid 60s to near 70 degrees, and abundant sunshine. These conditions will support the spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials such as cigarette butts. Refer to your state`s forest fire management agency for more information on burn restrictions in your local area. Relative humidity values will remain low into the weekend, however winds will be much lighter. Burn restrictions may still be in place given the very dry conditions and lack of any recent rainfall. 

 $$ Staarmann

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi, there is a pocket of Severe Drought D2 over a portion of the Pine Barrens across Ocean and Burlington counties as of 9/17 with the newest drought monitor update.

Random Ramblings NJ said...

Thanks so much anonymous for reminding me about the severe drought affecting a portion of the Pine Barrens. I have made a separate post today and will upload a new copy of the drought monitor map every week until the drought is over.