Update: High Fire Danger Prompts Red Flag Warning Wednesday

Editor's Note: The following update was published at 8:30 a.m., March 7.

A “Red Flag Warning” has been declared by the National Weather Service for much of New Jersey, including Mercer and Middlesex counties, for today (March 7) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The warning, which includes Eastern Pennsylvania, is an upgrade from an earlier “Fire Weather Watch” issued for today on Tuesday by the weather service.

The Red Flag Warning is the result of forecasts calling for sustained winds from the southwest of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph, temperatures in the mid-60s, and relative humidity values as low as 25 percent.

“A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential,” the weather service said.

“Because of the meteorological conditions, the potential exists for rapid spread if uncontrolled fires develop. The fire danger will be elevated due to the strong wind gusts, recent lack of precipitation, low relative humidities and dry fuels.”

Editor's Note: The original story, as published at 4 a.m. March 7, appears below.

A “Fire Weather Watch” has been issued by the National Weather Service for most of New Jersey, including Mercer County, for today (Wednesday, March 7). Eastern Pennsylvania is also covered by the watch.

The watch, declared Tuesday afternoon and in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, is the result of forecasts calling for sustained winds from the southwest of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph, and relative humidity values near or below 30 percent by mid-afternoon.

“A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur,” the weather service said.

“Because of the meteorological conditions, the potential exists for rapid spread if uncontrolled fires develop. The fire danger will be elevated due to the strong wind gusts, recent lack of precipitation, low relative humidities, and dry fuels.”