ELEVATED RISK OF WILDFIRE SPREAD LATE THIS MORNING AND THIS AFTERNOON

The combination of marginally dry and breezy conditions will create an elevated risk of wildfire spread across most of central Pennsylvania once again today. Minimum relative humidity values will be between 30 and 35 percent over the bulk of the region, but could drop as low as the mid 20s for several hours this afternoon.

Wind gusts will be from the south to southwest between 15 and 25 mph. Some locations across the Central and Northern Mountains could see gusts from the southwest topping 30 mph between 11 AM and 5 PM.

Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery, cigarettes, or matches. If dry grasses and tree litter begin to burn, the fire will have the potential to spread rapidly.

For more information about wildfire danger and wildfire prevention and education, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website at http://dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Wildfire. close