Update - April 23, 2014, 4:00 PM- Tomorrow's Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning. Red Flag Warnings are issued when strong winds combine with low humidity and dry fuels to create “critical fire weather conditions.”

Original Story - April 23, 2014, 11:00 AM - The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement warning of enhanced risk of fire spread today, April 23. According to the NWS a combination of strong northwesterly winds and a drying air mass will create conditions that would aid in the rapid spread of brush fires if ignition were to occur.

This afternoon will see the greatest risk when humidity will reach a low point of 35-40% and winds will gust as strong as 40 mph.

A Fire Weather Watch will also be in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening for the entire tri-state area (a Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur). Winds will continue to blow between 15 and 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, and relative humidity could drop as low as 18%.

Residents are urged to contact authorities immediately if they see a fire or smoke plume.

After the dry conditions expected for today and tomorrow, there is a 20-30% chance of rain from Friday afternoon through Saturday.

For the most recent weather forecasts, visit the Long Island Weather Center.

[Source: NWS]