Potential For Fire Spread Higher Tuesday In The Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The National Weather Service issued a hazardous outlook for Dutchess and Ulster counties and a Special Weather Statement for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester.

Tuesday will be the week's hottest day, increasing in clouds but with a high of about 80 degrees. Conditions will change dramatically late Wednesday.

For Dutchess and Ulster, the NWS says low relative humidity and gusty winds may result in an elevated risk of fire spread Tuesday and Wednesday. Also, an unseasonably cold air mass will move across the region Wednesday night and will likely result in widespread frost formation and localized freezes where the growing season has begun. Frost/freeze headlines will likely be needed later.

For the lower Hudson Valley: An elevated potential for fire spread is possible on Tuesday with dry conditions and gusty winds. Antecedent dry conditions along with relative humidity values below 30 percent are expected on Tuesday. Wind gusts upwards of 25 to 30 mph are also expected. Despite the recent green-up, these conditions may allow for elevated fire spread Tuesday afternoon if ignition occurs, the NWS said.

"Until we receive some rain, Please be careful of outdoor fire pits or trash or horticulture fires due to the dry conditions. And please, no lit cigarettes on the ground or out the window. Thank you," Todd Snow of Hudson Valley Weather said on Facebook.

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