SHARE

Fire Watch Raised To Red Flag Warning In Cortlandt

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- The Fire Watch that was issued on Wednesday has been increased to a Red Flag Warning on Thursday as conditions have become even more favorable for a fire to start in the Westchester County area, according to the National Weather Service.

Conditions for a fire to start have increased in Westchester County, according to the National Weather Service.

Conditions for a fire to start have increased in Westchester County, according to the National Weather Service.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

A Red Flag Warning means that a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuel like brush, vegetation and wood create critical fire weather conditions.

The entire tristate area is under a Red Flag Warning from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday. The warning stretches all the way from eastern Connecticut along the coast to Washington, D.C.

Humidity was already low for the region on Thursday morning -- around 30 percent -- and could drop to a desert-like 10 to 15-percent as the day goes on. The average relative humidity for Westchester in the month of April is around 50-percent.

Winds are expected to remain steady at 20 to 25 mph with gusts of up to 40 mph.

Residents are advised to be cautious when disposing of anything flammable, such as matches and cigarettes.

Rain is expected to move in some time on Friday, ending the fire threat.

to follow Daily Voice Cortlandt and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE