Trenton, NJ – Dry air and gusty winds are combining to create elevated fire risk conditions across New Jersey and parts of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore today, prompting a warning from the National Weather Service.
According to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, conditions Thursday are expected to support the rapid spread of any fires that may ignite. Relative humidity levels are forecasted to dip as low as 25% in parts of New Jersey, with sustained east-southeast winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts reaching 20 mph. In Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, relative humidity is expected to hover between 30% and 40%, with wind gusts potentially peaking at 25 mph.
Officials say these factors—combined with ongoing dry conditions—pose a risk for fast-moving wildfires, particularly in grassy or wooded areas where fine fuels have dried out. The warning covers cities including Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, Trenton, Camden, and Easton.
Fire officials strongly discourage any outdoor burning today and urge residents to be cautious with potential ignition sources such as cigarette butts or vehicle exhaust in dry vegetation. Even small sparks could ignite rapidly spreading fires.
Winds are expected to weaken by sunset, and humidity levels will begin to rise, reducing the fire risk heading into the evening. However, the heightened conditions are expected to persist through much of Thursday afternoon.
The warning was issued in collaboration with state fire officials and takes into account meteorological data, land conditions, and fuel dryness.
Residents across the region are advised to remain vigilant and report any signs of fire to local authorities immediately.
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