Red flag warning for Pennsylvania expires
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service for Pennsylvania expired at 8 p.m. Wednesday. The warning happened because low relative humidity, gusty wind and warm temperatures are creating a high risk for the spread of wildfires.
As of Wednesday night, Pennsylvania is not in a red flag warning for Thursday. Winds will likely be low enough to hold off the warning.
It came after a fire that broke out Tuesday night in Manchester Township, New Jersey grew to nearly 4,000 acres. Officials say the wildfire in Ocean County is about 70% contained as of Wednesday night.
The fire forced evacuations in 170 buildings in Manchester and Lakehurst, New Jersey. The orders were later lifted, and residents were able to return home.
Smoke from the fire was visible on weather radar.
The NWS says that a red flag warning "means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels. Any fires that develop may quickly get out of control and become difficult to contain."
We're expecting a high of 81 degrees on Wednesday during a stretch of summer-like temperatures.
April is peak time for wildfire season in the region. Meteorologist Kate Bilo explained Wednesday morning how a gusty west breeze combined with low humidity and low soil moisture can cause dry conditions.