TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey residents can expect sunny skies and warm temperatures today, but strong winds and dry conditions are raising alarms about an elevated wildfire risk across the state.
According to the National Weather Service, today’s forecast calls for clear, sunny weather with a high near 81 degrees. Southwest winds will be breezy at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph — contributing to a significant threat of rapid fire spread through dry vegetation across New Jersey and Delaware.
Key Points
- High near 81 degrees today with breezy southwest winds up to 30 mph gusts
- Elevated wildfire risk persists this afternoon due to low humidity and dry fuels
- Cooler, calmer conditions expected starting Wednesday with slight rain chances by Thursday night
Fire danger remains high across New Jersey today
The minimum relative humidity will drop between 25% and 35% this afternoon, creating ideal conditions for fires to ignite and spread quickly. The National Weather Service strongly discourages any outdoor burning today and urges proper disposal of all potential ignition sources, such as cigarette butts.
These warnings come as New Jersey fire officials continue to monitor fuel and land conditions, coordinating closely with weather experts to issue updates as needed.
Cooler temperatures and rain chances later this week
Tonight, cloud cover will increase with a slight chance of showers after 2 a.m. The low will be around 65 degrees, and south winds will ease slightly to 10 to 15 mph. By Wednesday, expect mostly sunny skies with a cooler high of 76 degrees and lighter northwest winds around 10 mph.
Wednesday night will bring partly cloudy skies and a low near 49, followed by mostly sunny conditions Thursday with highs near 69 degrees. A chance of showers returns late Thursday night into Friday, but rainfall amounts are expected to be minimal.
Rain may bring temporary relief from fire risk by weekend
Friday’s forecast includes a chance of scattered showers during the morning and again in the afternoon, with partly sunny skies and a high near 82 degrees. Showers are likely Friday night, offering potential, though limited, relief from the dry conditions that have heightened wildfire risks across the region.
Sunny skies and gusty winds bring fire fears today, but New Jersey’s weather will cool and dampen later this week.
