Forecasters say dry conditions and gusty winds will boost the chances of outdoor fires on Monday. Watch video
Last week New Jersey was saturated with rain and worried about flooding. Now some forests and other wooded areas are getting very dry, which generates a whole new concern.
The combination of low humidity and gusty winds has increased the risk of wildfires in 11 counties across the Garden State, as well as in eastern Pennsylvania, according to the National Weather Service.
Areas shaded in the cream color have an enhanced risk of wildfires Monday afternoon and Monday evening, the National Weather Service said in a special weather statement. (National Weather Service)The weather service's regional forecast office in Mount Holly issued a special weather statement at about 10:30 a.m. saying the wildfire risk will be enhanced Monday afternoon and evening in Atlantic, Burlington Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem counties.
"Relative humidity values are forecast to drop below 30 percent this afternoon and evening across much of our region. Southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up around 25 mph are expected," the statement reads. "Fine fuels will continue dry through today."
When combined, those factors will create an elevated risk for the spread of wildfires. The same risk pertains to eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and the eastern shore of Maryland, the weather service said.
When relative humidity is very low, debris in forests, parks and wooded areas -- such as dead tree branches, pine needles, grasses and leaves -- are very dry, making them more susceptible to fires that could rapidly spread.
Temperatures on Monday are expected to climb into the upper 70s across most of New Jersey, making it feel like late spring or early summer. It will be slightly cooler along the Shore, but dry on Monday and Tuesday.
The next chance of rain is early Wednesday morning, forecasters said.
Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality or like him on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.