New Jersey has been experiencing a combination of dry forest grounds, dry air with relative humidity values and windy conditions. A Red Flag Warning meanswhen there are warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds in the forecast that combination can produce an increased risk of fire danger.

The latest update to the U.S. Drought Monitor was issued Thursday and the news isn’t good. The tri-state area is withering in a prolonged and increasingly extreme drought situation. It started in September,

Record rainless streaks have caused extreme drought conditions and prompted officials to put a statewide ban on open fires.