March 09, 2017
The National Weather Service warned Thursday that there is an elevated threat of wildfires across eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and eastern Maryland.
The fire threat is due to a combination of gusty winds, low humidity and dry conditions.
Westerly winds of between 15 to 20 mph are forecast, with frequent gusts between 25 to 30 mph Thursday.
Relative humidity levels were at or below 30 percent early this morning and may fall into the lower 20s or even teens in the afternoon, said the forecast.
"These conditions combined with dry fine fuels, such as dead leaves and grasses, will increase the risk for rapid fire spread," cautioned the weather service, adding that outdoor burning is "highly discouraged."
