Dry fuels, gusty winds and low humidity are expected to create an elevated risk of fire spreading Friday, Oct. 30, across much of the Hudson Valley, according to the National Weather Service in Albany.
The agency’s special weather statement, issued Thursday, covers Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Greene, Columbia, Ulster and Dutchess counties. Northwest wind gusts are forecast to reach 25 to 35 mph, with the strongest gusts and lowest relative humidity expected from late morning through midafternoon Friday.
Minimum relative humidity is forecast at 35 to 45 percent in lower elevations and 40 to 50 percent in higher elevations. Those conditions, combined with dry fuels, are expected to increase the risk of fire spread, the agency said.
The Weather Service urged extra caution when handling potential ignition sources, including machinery and matches, and advised properly extinguishing or disposing of cigarette butts.