The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for Southern New England on Tuesday due to critical fire weather conditions driven by the ongoing drought. Gusty winds exceeding 30 miles per hour are expected throughout the day, heightening the risk of rapid fire spread.
“Any fires that start may spread rapidly and become difficult to extinguish,” the Weather Service cautioned on Monday. This year has seen a record number of red flag warnings in the region, with Massachusetts and Rhode Island experiencing their second-highest totals ever, while Connecticut has recorded its highest number of warnings on record.
Windy Conditions and Limited Rainfall
Tuesday's weather is expected to be breezy, with wind gusts ranging from 20 to 30 miles per hour. A weak weather system passed through the area overnight, bringing only minimal rainfall. Boston received about 0.1 inches, while Northford, Connecticut, recorded 0.40 inches. Other notable rainfall amounts included:
- South Kingstown: 0.38 inches
- Mystic: 0.39 inches
- Lexington: 0.31 inches
While any precipitation is helpful, much more is needed to alleviate the severe drought conditions across New England. For those who have been planting or transplanting this fall, it’s advised to water weekly until rainfall levels return to normal.
Cooler Weather Ahead
Temperatures on Tuesday will be the mildest of the week, but a shift to cooler weather is expected on Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures dropping below average. High pressure is set to build into the region, bringing a reinforcing shot of cold air midweek before a slight warming trend towards the weekend.
No Significant Rain in Sight
Looking ahead, there are still no reliable indicators of significant rainfall to break the dry spell. Weather patterns like these can be stubborn, similar to the heavy rainfall New England experienced last fall and winter that seemed unending at the time. While conditions may eventually balance out, it’s unclear if the return of regular precipitation could swing to the opposite extreme once again.
For now, enjoy the dry weather, but remain cautious as fire risks remain elevated and the region waits for much-needed rain.
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