Red Flag Warning: 'Explosive' Fire Danger Across N.J.

For the second day in a row, a Red Flag Warning has been declared for New Jersey – including Mercer and Middlesex counties – by the National Weather Service.

The latest Red Flag Warning is in effect until 4 p.m. today (Tuesday, March 27).

“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 advised.

Relative humidity levels are expected to fall to between 15 and 20 percent today, while sustained northwest winds of 15 to 20 mph are expected, with gusts up to 25 mph.

“There will be a brief period toward daybreak Tuesday when conditions should fall below [Red Flag] criteria. However, as the sun rises and temperatures begin to warm, conditions are expected to return above criteria levels once again.”

A Red Flag Warning was declared by the weather service for New Jersey yesterday (Monday, March 26). Several wildfires were reported around the state, including one that burned about 30 acres of marshland at Raritan Center in Edison Township.