Weather service says fire risk is higher than usual Friday afternoon because of dry air and gusty winds. Watch video
A combination of dry air and gusty winds across New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania has increased the risk of brush fires breaking out on Friday, according to the National Weather Service's regional office in Mount Holly.
"Gusty winds, along with lowering relative humidity values and drying fuels, will lead to an elevated risk for the spread of fires this afternoon," the weather service said in a special weather statement issued at 9:40 a.m. Friday.
The New Jersey areas most at risk are Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Ocean and Salem counties. In Pennsylvania, the areas most at risk of fires are Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
Winds have been blowing about 15 to 20 mph today, but some gusts could go as high as 30 mph, the weather service said.
Exactly one week ago, the weather service issued a similar alert for most of central and western New Jersey, along with large sections of eastern Pennsylvania.
Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality. Find NJ.com on Facebook.