**NWS Warns of Elevated Fire Risks in Several East Coast States**

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS) have cautioned residents in nine East Coast states about increased fire hazards on Friday. The concerns arise as these states struggle with unusually dry conditions and above-average temperatures.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map reveals that much of the Northeast is experiencing abnormal dryness, with some areas facing moderate to severe drought conditions. States including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., are under the NWS special weather advisories. The warnings emphasize the role of low relative humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in facilitating the rapid spread of wildfires.

Outdoor burning activities are highly discouraged, and residents are urged to properly dispose of any potential ignition sources, such as cigarette butts. "Be sure to properly extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials such as cigarette butts," one statement advised.

NWS meteorologist Bill Goodman highlighted that the most significant risks would occur on Saturday. "We have no rain in the forecast through next Friday. It's bone dry," said Goodman, who is based in New York. He added that some climate record sites might experience their driest calendar month ever recorded, marking unusually dry conditions.

In addition to the forecast for abnormally dry conditions, the NWS Baltimore office detailed a time frame between 9 AM and 5 PM on Saturday in which elevated fire risks are most pronounced. Sustained northwesterly winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts reaching 25 to 30 mph will accompany daytime humidity levels around 30 percent. This combination will accelerate the drying of fine fuels such as grass, leaves, and small shrubs.

The NWS statements also urged residents to exercise caution when handling open flames or equipment that can produce sparks. Proper disposal of matches, cigarette butts, and other flammable items is crucial to prevent accidental fires. They recommended avoiding parking vehicles on dry grass and adhering to local burn bans.

While the central United States might get some relief from dry conditions in the coming week, the Northeast is projected to continue experiencing below-normal precipitation for the next three to four weeks, according to the six- to 10-day precipitation outlook from the NWS Climate Prediction Center.