Hot weather surge for NJ brings gusty winds, increased fire risk
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The combination of hot temperatures and low humidity in New Jersey on Wednesday has prompted the National Weather Service to issue another warning about the enhanced spread of fires.
A red flag warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. across most of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties.
Low fuel moisture, relative humidity as low as 20 to 25 percent and winds of 10 to 15 mph that could gust to 25 mph would make any wildfires that break out more difficult to contain. The breeziest conditions are likely to occur from 4 to 7 p.m., the weather service said in its morning forecast discussion.
The red flag warning is the second issued in three days in New Jersey, though Monday’s warning only covered the southern half of the state.
We could have record-setting warmth in New Jersey Wednesday as temperatures are expected to reach the mid-80s to near-90, except along the Shore where highs will be in the upper 70s.
Overnight lows tonight will be in the 60s before the heat intensifies even further on Thursday and Friday.
Highs should reach the low 90s both days, though winds are likely to gust to more than 20 mph. There’s a threat of showers and thunderstorms on Friday afternoon and evening.
The record highs for May 2, 3 and 4 in Trenton are 88 (set in 2010), 90 (1913) and 89 (2001). In Newark, the top temperatures for those dates are 92, 91 and 94. All three Newark records were set in 2001. Highs in early May typically reach the upper 60s.
Here comes the heat! Temperatures 15-20deg warmer than normal today. Cooler temperatures along the coast but the interior will see highs in the upper 80s with lots of sunshine [?] pic.twitter.com/fDclAFkyjt
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) May 2, 2018
Bad air quality
An air quality alert is in effect in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties from Wednesday morning through 11 p.m. Wednesday. An air quality alert will be active in the state’s other 16 counties from 11 a.m. Thursday through 11 p.m. Thursday.
The National Weather Service and the state Department of Environmental Protection say air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as young children, elderly adults and people with respiratory problems.
NJ Advance Media staff writer Len Melisurgo contributed to this report. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.