Be ready for elevated fire danger in Hudson Valley until Friday evening

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Thursday at 3:13 p.m. for elevated fire danger until Friday at 6 p.m. for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties."The combination of dry fuels, gusty northwest winds 20 to 30 mph, and minimum relative humidity values near 40% will lead to an elevated risk of fire spread across the Lower Hudson Valley during the late morning and afternoon on Friday. Use extra caution if handling any potential ignition sources such as machinery or matches, and ensure to properly extinguish or dispose of cigarette butts. Any fires that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly. This forecast considers meteorological, fuel, and land conditions and has been developed in coordination with state fire and land management officials," explains the weather service.