Fire potential exists today due to an Extremely Dry Airmass in the air with relative humidity between 20 to 30 percent. When dry air exists, fine fuels float into the atmosphere due to the lack of rain. Why do New Yorkers need to worry about seasonably mild temperatures at the end of April that cause an elevated state? Because of the moisture content that falls below 32 percent. Fluctuations in humidity are responsive to changes in relative humidity that is more rapid in fine dead fuels. What does that mean? It means that the ground is more and the tree tops become dry and more unadaptable to dry air mass from the sun exposure and wind. Debris burning behaviors will promote spotting and increases in fire spreading between piles of wooded areas ignited by larger-diameter fuels.
The 5 Day Forecast Says:
Today
Sunny, with a high near 64. Northwest wind 8 to 13 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 48. South wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southwest after midnight.
Thursday
Increasing clouds, with a high near 71. Southwest wind 7 to 13 mph.
Thursday Night
A slight chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southwest wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday
Showers likely, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 8 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Friday Night
A chance of showers, mainly before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 46.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 67.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.