New Jersey Temperatures and Wildfire Risks Soar
Forecasters are concerned that due to the combination of dryness, wind, and high temps, there is a risk of wildfires in the Garden State. The National Weather Service has issued…
COLFAX, CA – SEPTEMBER 14: Firefighters light a controlled burn during the Mosquito Fire on September 14, 2022 in Foresthill, California. The Mosquito fire has became California’s largest wildfire of the year.
(Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images)Forecasters are concerned that due to the combination of dryness, wind, and high temps, there is a risk of wildfires in the Garden State. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for all 21 counties. It reports that there is a "combination of low relative humidity, gusty westerly winds, and dry fine fuels." Forecasters predict it will lead to an elevated risk for fire spread this Tuesday afternoon (April 11).
The humidity will be very low at about 20% to 25% and winds of 10 to 15 mph could gust to 20 to 25 mph, forecasters say.
New Jersey Enters Peak Wildfire Season
"Any dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter that ignites will have the potential to spread fire quickly," the weather service said in a special weather statement Tuesday morning.
Urgent alerts were issued in New York City. Northern New Jersey counties such as Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union counties issued a special weather statement about dry and windy conditions that could fires easier to spread.
However, Tuesday night nighttime temps will be in the low to mid-70s. The Jersey Shore temps will average in the 60s. Overnight lows will be at the lowest in the 50s.
"Nighttime temps will stay mild in the upper 50s. By Saturday, there will be cloudy, cooler conditions return with highs only expected to reach the low 60s" per NJ.com.
Records Could Be Broken
Based on the latest forecasts, some records could be matched or broken on Thursday, NJ.com reports. The records that could be broken are as follows:
Newark: Record high for April 13 is 86 degrees, set in 1977.
Trenton: Record high for April 13 is 85 degrees, set in 1977.
Atlantic City: Record high for April 13 is 83 degrees, set in 2018.
New York City: Record high for April 13 is 88 degrees, set in 1977.
Philadelphia: Record high for April 13 is 89 degrees, set in 1977.
The vast majority of wildfires in New Jersey are caused by humans. That is why the New Jersey Forest Fire Service is reminding the public of important safety tips.
New Jersey has entered peak wildfire season from now through May. It is our job to help reduce the possibility of wildfires across the state when the weather warms, humidity decreases and winds pick up.
According to the NJ Department of Environmental Health, trees and buses do not have full leaves at this time of year just yet which leads to more sun reaching the forest floor. The dry underbrush acts as kindling for wildfire growth when coupled with windy days.
“The continuing impacts of climate change mean our state is experiencing more severe weather conditions, storms, wind and drought that can result in a longer wildfire season, which is why it is more important than ever that the public exercise caution and take steps to help protect their homes and property,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said in a press release. “Preventing wildfires also helps avoid catastrophic releases of carbon that contribute to and exacerbate climate change.”
The NJ Department of Environmental Protection revealed that February was the 11th driest on record in the Graden State since recordkeeping started in 1985.
Since January 1, 2023, the Forest Fire Service has responded to 315 wildfires which have burned 919.75 acres. The largest of these fires was the Governors Branch in Ocean County.
In 2022, the Forest Fire Service responded to 1,175 wildfires which burned 12,664 acres. Additionally, New Jersey was in drought for nearly five months, seeing the fourth driest summer on record.
8 way to help reduce wildfire risk:
1.
Don’t discard cigarettes, matches or smoking materials on the ground.
2.
Contact your nearest Forest Fire Service office for information on how to obtain a Campfire Permit.
3.
Don’t leave fires unattended. Douse them completely, until cold to the touch.
4.
Keep matches and lighters away from children. Teach youth about fire safety. Children can learn about wildfire safety with Smokey Bear’s new mobile game “Smokey’s Scouts.”
5.
Protect your home and other structures from wildfire by creating defensible space. Visit njwildfire.org for more.
6.
Ensure fire trucks can access driveways.
7.
Report suspicious vehicles and individuals to authorities.
8.
Use wood stoves and fireplaces carefully, since both can emit embers that spark fires. Fully douse ashes with water before disposal.
