BURLINGTON, Vt. – Unseasonably warm, dry, and windy conditions Sunday are setting the stage for dangerous fire weather across northern New York and Vermont. The National Weather Service in Burlington has issued a Red Flag Warning from noon through this evening for the St. Lawrence Valley and much of northern and central Vermont, including Burlington, Montpelier, and St. Johnsbury.
According to the Weather Service, south winds will strengthen to 15–25 mph this afternoon with gusts up to 40 mph in New York’s St. Lawrence Valley and up to 35 mph across Vermont’s Champlain Valley and Northeast Kingdom. Relative humidity values will drop as low as 30 percent while temperatures climb into the 70s, creating a volatile mix for rapid fire growth.
Officials with Vermont Emergency Management and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation warned that any spark could quickly ignite grass or brush fires, which may spread out of control in minutes. Vermont’s statewide debris burn ban remains in effect, prohibiting open burning. Residents are urged to delay outdoor burning, avoid parking on dry grass, and secure trailer chains that could produce sparks along highways.
According to the National Weather Service, winds will ease after sunset as humidity recovers, bringing a lower but lingering fire danger overnight. Cooler, more humid conditions are expected early in the week.
