Fire weather warning Friday with a growing fall chill

After record-shattering warmth Wednesday, much cooler weather is arriving alongside some of the most-hazardous fire conditions in years.

Allan Nosoff

Nov 7, 2024, 11:52 PM

Updated 3 hr ago

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It was still warm, but not record-breaking warm Thursday, with low- to mid-70s and a cool breeze. The breeze picks up overnight and will be one of the key ingredients for an elevated fire risk.
The combination of super low humidity, gusts of up to 30 mph, plenty of sun and a super dry ground will create hazardous fire conditions Friday. Even brush fires could be expected in prone spots like Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. Any fires that do spark, weather-related or not, will be much harder to contain and extinguish. Please avoid any open flames and be extra careful with any cigarette buds.
The fire risk is diminished some on Saturday with lighter wind expected. It will still be bone dry and sunny. It also gets even colder. Highs Friday will be in the upper-60s, and only in the upper-50s on Saturday. Even though this is typical for early November, this colder weather has been hard to find so far this fall.
Clouds increase into Sunday as a cold front will bring the chance for the first meaningful rainfall in 40 days. The current most-likely timing of light to steady showers is after 6 p.m. Sunday through the Monday morning commute. After the rain clears midday Monday, it turns cooler again into midweek next week.