Crime & Safety

Red Flag Warning Issued for Monday Afternoon

Strong wind gusts and low relative humidity will increase the risk of fire Monday afternoon throughout Mercer County and much of New Jersey.

There will be a significant risk of wildfire this afternoon (Monday, March 28) for much of New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service which issued a Red flag Warning that will be in effect from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. today.

“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.

The warning covers Mercer, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex and all other counties to the south of New Jersey, as well as some counties in the northeastern region of the state.

Find out what's happening in Lawrencevillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Northwest wind gusts are forecast to reach 20 mph for several hours this afternoon, coincident with relative humidity below 30 percent and 10 hour lag time fuels well below 10 percent,” the weather service cautioned. “This combination of factors would lead to a much more rapid rate of spread of any fine fuel fires that may develop.”

Conditions are expected to be very similar on Tuesday as well, according to the weather service.

Find out what's happening in Lawrencevillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.