High fire risk in Northeast, mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Tennessee Valley  

> Gusty winds and dry leaves are fueling the risk of brush fires, grassfires and wildfires  

 
> Abnormally dry and drought conditions expand to the highest coverage area on record since 2000 

 
> Increasing wildfire risk expected in California next week with offshore winds 

AccuWeather expert meteorologists warn that dry and windy conditions have increased the risk of fires through the weekend across parts of 45 different states.

AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok says families and businesses need to be aware of the high risk of fires through Sunday across parts of Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.  

“We’re concerned about a serious threat of wildfires and brush fires in these warm and exceptionally dry conditions,” said Pastelok. “A single spark can ignite a fire that can quickly spread out of control in a matter of minutes. This combination of dried-out leaves and gusty winds is a recipe for trouble.” 

Pastelok says winds blowing from the southwest will create a high risk of fires on Friday across a zone stretching more than 750 miles from central West Virginia through southeastern Maine. The high fire risk zone includes the I-95 corridor from Boston to New York City and Philadelphia.  

Pastelok says the fire risk is expected to decrease next week across parts of the eastern and central U.S., but the risk of wildfires and brushfires will increase in the Upper Midwest and parts of the West.  

“The northern High Plains and California will be two areas of concern heading into next week. Offshore winds may increase late next week across California,” said Pastelok. “Next week could be the biggest fire threat in California so far this fall.” 

AccuWeather Meteorologist Jesse Ferrell says worsening drought conditions expanding across the country are contributing to the fire risk.  

“We just reached a new record for abnormally dry and drought conditions across the nation after an incredibly dry October,” said Ferrell. “This week’s U.S. Drought Monitor report says 87.16 percent of the continental United States is “abnormally dry” or in a drought. That is a record-high percentage for the country since U.S. Drought Monitor records began in 2000. The only state not listed in a drought is Kentucky, which still contains areas that are abnormally dry.” 

The U.S. Drought Monitor reports 27 percent of the country is in a severe drought, 6.5 percent of the nation in an extreme drought and 0.6 percent of the country in an exceptional drought. 

Severe and exceptional drought conditions have been reported in West Virginia, Ohio, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.  

“Please use extreme caution with any open flames or sparks, and follow local emergency orders and burn bans,” said Pastelok. “Be careful burning any logs or debris in areas impacted by flooding and landslides from Helene. Most fires are accidentally sparked by humans using lawn equipment, dragging chains, tossing cigarettes out car windows or at campfires and bonfires. Many lakes and reservoirs are running low, so access to water may be a challenge for fire crews.” 

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