The combination of recent dry weather, northwest winds gusting 25 to 35 mph, minimum relative humidity values between 30 and 45 percent, and dry fuels will contribute to an elevated risk of fire spread tomorrow for portions of eastern New York, including the Capital District, Mid-Hudson Valley, and the Taconics. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials such as cigarette butts. Refer to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation web site for information on burn restrictions.

The combination of recent dry weather, northwest winds gusting 25 to 35 mph, minimum relative humidity values between 30 and 45 percent, and dry fuels will contribute to an elevated risk of fire spread today for portions of eastern New York, including the Capital District, Mid-Hudson Valley, and the Taconics. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials such as cigarette butts. Refer to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation web site for information on burn restrictions.

* Affected Area. In Massachusetts, Berkshire County. * Timing. From 8 AM to 7 PM EDT Friday. * Winds. West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * Relative Humidity. As low as 40 percent. * Temperatures. Up to 70 degrees. * Lightning. None. * Impacts. Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

The National Weather Service in Boston/Norton has issued a Red Flag Warning which is in effect from 8 AM to 7 PM EDT Friday. * AFFECTED AREA. In Massachusetts, Western Franklin, Eastern Franklin, Northern Worcester, Central Middlesex, Western Essex, Eastern Essex, Western Hampshire, Western Hampden, Eastern Hampshire, Eastern Hampden, Southern Worcester, Western Norfolk, Southeast Middlesex, Suffolk, Eastern Norfolk, Northern Bristol, Western Plymouth, Eastern Plymouth, Southern Bristol, Southern Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket and Northern Middlesex. * TIMING. From 8 AM to 7 PM EDT Friday. * WINDS. West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY. As low as 41 percent. * TEMPERATURES. Up to 80. * IMPACTS. Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

The prolonged period of dry weather coupled with a very dry ground will continue to result in elevated fire weather concerns Thursday. Near record highs are expected with highs in the upper 70s to the lower 80s away from the immediate south coast. Minimum afternoon relative humidity values are expected to range between 40 to 50 percent with southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph. Use caution when handling and disposing of ignition sources. Outdoor burning is not recommended.