Near-record highs in temperatures are expected Thursday for the tri-state area as elevated fire risk continues to threaten and devastate parts of New Jersey.
The high pressure brings sunshine and heat atypical for the spring season in the region through Friday, with Thursday’s highs expected to peak at 88 degrees and only slightly lower on Friday. Low humidity and breezy conditions keep fire danger high for Thursday. The risk subsides by the weekend, but for now, people are advised to remain vigilant.
Red flag advisories that affected New York, New Jersey and then Connecticut have expired, but as the Garden State saw a day ago, when the National Weather Service had issued just one watch, the threat of fire spread remains significant. . Some special weather declarations are in effect. Check the latest weather alerts here).
Wildfires broke out across the state this week in Brick, Howell Township and Teaneck. Another large fire broke out a day ago in West Milford Township, along Route 23 and Spring Lake Road. By early Thursday, it had consumed nearly 4,000 acres and was 75% contained. Road closures were expected to be lifted in the late afternoon, and no houses remained under threat.
At the same time, a wildfire consumed thousands of acres in Manchester Township. The latter saw a 200-foot wall of flame, ignited embers landing miles away, and carloads of people fleeing for shelter at a high school.
“This fire exhibited extreme fire behavior. I don’t want to be dramatic, but this was a serious situation,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner of State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites.
Rafael Pujols with the details.
No injuries have been reported, although smoke can be smelled more than 10 miles away.
April is the peak month for wildfires in New Jersey, officials said. And despite its status as the most densely populated state in the nation, 40% is forest. There are about 1,500 wildfires a year in New Jersey, according to the state’s Forest Fire Service. It has already seen 15 this month, authorities say.
Although the state is not in a drought, there is no chance of rain until the weekend in the part of New Jersey where the fire is burning. The state on Wednesday banned campfires and placed restrictions on charcoal or gas fires.
Expect temperatures to hit the mid to upper 80s on Thursday and again on Friday. Central Park is forecast to hit 88 degrees Thursday, which would tie the daily record set in 1977. Other daily temperature records may be broken across the region as well. Friday is a bit cooler, dipping to 86 in New York City, but lower humidity means less fire threat.
We are looking at the possibility of light showers on Saturday. More rain is expected on Sunday night and temperatures continue to be cooler. Then we have cooler temperatures and persistent showers on Monday and a strong reality check arrives on Tuesday, with highs expected in the 50s and 60s and partly sunny skies for most of the next week.
See the 10-day weather forecast for New York below.
