BETHLEHEM, Pa. — For the second time this month, the Lehigh Valley on Friday is under a red flag warning as forecasters again expect critical fire weather conditions.
"Red Flag Warnings mean that gusty winds and very low humidity create the potential for explosive fire growth,” National Weather Service forecasters posted on X. "That potential will be very high tomorrow, and as a result, Red Flag Warnings have been issued across most of our region.
"Greatest danger is during Friday afternoon.”
The red flag warning, issued Thursday by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, N.J., is in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. In addition to Lehigh and Northampton counties, the warning also covers a large swath of eastern Pennsylvania, including Carbon, Monroe, Berks, Delaware and Philadelphia counties, as well as several others.
"Any fires that develop may quickly get out of control and become difficult to contain."National Weather Service in Mount Holly, N.J.
“A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels,” according to the advisory. “Any fires that develop may quickly get out of control and become difficult to contain.”
Winds are expected, with gusts up to 30 mph, forecasters said. Relative humidity could be as low as 29%.
A red flag warning is issued when the risk of fire danger is highest, and residents are urged to be extremely cautious with any open flame.
Red Flag Warnings mean that gusty winds and very low humidity create the potential for explosive fire growth. That potential will be very high tomorrow, and as a result, Red Flag Warnings have been issued across most of our region. Greatest danger is during Friday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/NE8fIy1vQe
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) November 7, 2024
Under these conditions, cigarettes or matches tossed out of vehicles may ignite dry grass on the side of the road. Outdoor power equipment that creates sparks should not be used, and activities with open flames or sparks should be avoided.
The last red flag warning was issued Friday, Nov. 1. A day later, a brush fire engulfed Blue Mountain; officials on Thursday said the blaze, which grew to almost 600 acres, was more than half contained.
The area is also in a drought, with the U.S. Drought Monitor showing Lehigh and Northampton counties in extreme and severe drought, respectively. The state Department of Environmental Protection has declared a drought watch for both counties.
