RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 6 PM EDT THURSDAY FOR CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR MUCH OF THE HUDSON VALLEY

* Affected Area...Portions of the Upper Hudson Valley/Champlain FDRA including Warren, Saratoga, and Washington Counties, as well as portions of the Hudson Valley FDRA including eastern Montgomery, Schenectady, Albany, Rensselaer, eastern Greene, Columbia, eastern Ulster, Dutchess, and Sullivan Counties.

* Timing...From noon to 6 PM Thursday, with the lowest relative humidity values and highest wind gusts expected during the afternoon.

* Winds...South 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 20 to 30 percent.

* Temperatures...In the upper 50s.

* Impacts...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. close

ELEVATED RISK OF WILDFIRE SPREAD THURSDAY IN PARTS OF CENTRAL NEW YORK

The combination of dry fine fuels, southerly wind gusts of to 20 to 30 mph, and relative humidity values as low as 20 to 35 percent will contribute to an elevated risk for fire spread on Thursday for portions of Central New York.

The annual statewide burn ban is in effect until May 14. No burn permits are issued. close