An elevated risk of fire spread is expected Sunday afternoon across Long Island, including Riverhead and the East End, as dry vegetation combines with gusty northwest winds and low humidity, according to a special weather statement issued Saturday afternoon by the National Weather Service in Upton.
The weather service said drying fine fuels, northwest wind gusts between 25 and 30 mph, and relative humidity values between 25% and 35% will create conditions favorable for fires to start and spread more quickly.
The statement was developed in coordination with state fire and land management officials and remains in effect through 8 p.m. Sunday.
The National Weather Service also reminded residents that New York’s annual statewide burn ban remains in effect through May 14. No burn permits are being issued. Officials urged extra caution with potential ignition sources such as machinery or matches, and said cigarette butts should be properly extinguished and disposed of.
Sunday’s local forecast calls for a sunny day with a high near 60 and northwest winds of 8 to 18 mph. While the Riverhead area could see a chance of rain early Sunday morning, the weather service expects dry and breezy conditions to develop as the day goes on.
For more information on burn restrictions, residents can refer to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.
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Source: RiverheadLOCAL
