High Winds, Warm Temps Increase Fire Potential for All of State Thursday

By LIZ TAURASI (Patch Staff)

Peabody, MA - Massachusetts fire weather officials announced early Thursday morning there is the potential for elevated fire weather across Massachusetts today, the same day a high wind warning is in effect from morning until night.

Warmer temperatures and strong, southwest winds across the state all day Thursday into Thursday night increase this risk, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures are expected to reach 70 degrees in the Greater Boston area Thursday.

Humidity levels will help moderate the ignition potential and keep the thresholds below a watch or warning, the National Weather Service says.

Winds will be high today, no doubt. There are wind advisories up for eastern and southeastern Massachusetts which will see winds of 40 to 50 mph. Interior portions of the state will see sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

These winds will be strongest around midday into Thursday afternoon and are capable of downing small tree limbs and branches, knocking out power in isolated areas.