New York City shattered some decades-old daily temperature records and then some Thursday, as the exhaustive battle against wildfires engulfing thousands of acres in New Jersey continues.
High pressure brings sunshine and unseasonable warmth to the tri-state area through Friday, which is only expected to be a touch cooler than Thursday.
Central Park reached 90 degrees, topping the previous record of 88 set back in 1977. LaGuardia Airport also broke its record high, reaching 89 degrees, while JFK Airport tied the high set the same day in 1977. But it wasn't just the city that got unseasonably hot: Newark Airport was among the hottest spots of the day, reaching 92 degrees, shattering the previous high by 6 degrees. Poughkeepsie also reached 90 degrees for the day, topping the previous high of 85.
Islip and Bridgeport also broke their record highs for April 12.
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Expect only a slight dip in highs Friday and more opportunity to break daily records. Even 86 in Central Park — which would be a few degrees cooler than Thursday — could set a new one. Daily highs for a bunch of locations throughout the tri-state could again be set.
Amid those unseasonably high temperatures, relative low humidity and breezy conditions keep our fire danger high through Friday. The risk diminishes by the weekend, but for now, people are advised to stay on alert.
The red flag warnings that hit New York, New Jersey, then Connecticut have expired, but as the Garden State saw a day ago, when the National Weather Service had issued only a watch, the threat of fire spread remains significant. Some special weather statements are in effect. Check the latest weather alerts here.
Brush fires erupted across the state this week in Brick, Howell Township and Teaneck. Another major fire erupted a day ago in West Milford Township off Route 23 and Spring Lake Road. By mid-morning Thursday it was 100% contained after having consumed nearly 4,000 acres. Road closures were expected to lift by the evening.
At the same time, a forest fire consumed thousands of acres in Manchester Township. The latter saw a 200-foot wall of flames, the burning embers landing miles away -- and carloads of people fleeing to shelter at a high school.
“This fire exhibited extreme fire behavior. I don't mean to be dramatic, but this was a severe situation,” John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner of State Parks, Forests, and Historic Sites, said.
No injuries have been reported, though smoke can be smelled upwards of 10 miles away -- and is visible from National Weather Service radar.
April is the peak month for forest fires in New Jersey, officials said. And despite its status as the nation's most densely populated state, 40% of it is forest. There are about 1,500 wildfires a year in New Jersey, according to the state Forest Fire Service. This month has already seen 15, officials say.
Although the state is not in a drought, there's no chance of rain until the weekend in the part of New Jersey where the fire is burning. The state on Wednesday banned campfires and imposed restrictions on charcoal or gas fires.
Relief in the form of rain won't come until the weekend.
We're looking at a chance of light showers Saturday. More rain is expected Sunday evening and temperatures continue to stay lower. Then we've got cooler temps and lingering showers Monday and a strong reality check hits Tuesday, with highs expected in the high 50s and low 60s and partly sunny skies through the better part of next week.
See the 10-day NYC weather forecast below.
