EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — AccuWeather Global Weather Center is warning of an increasing threat of brush fires and wildfires across the United States during hot weather combined with record dry conditions.
AccuWeather meteorologists report there is a risk of wildfires this week across parts of 46 states. Specialists said "extreme and exceptional drought" is expanding in parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Ohio.
AccWeather
The Interstate 95 corridor from New York City to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. has been remarkably dry, meteorologists reported.
"We are concerned about the wildfire danger in this area this fall. It is becoming increasingly likely that some locations in this area may go through their first-ever October without any measurable rain," stated AccuWeather On-Air Broadcaster Geoff Cornish, who also serves as a volunteer firefighter.
AccuWeather
AccuWeather
Experts say the dry weather is leading to a rapidly expanding drought in the mid-Atlantic. As well as parts of the South are experiencing a degree of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Some of the most intense droughts were in south-central Pennsylvania. In certain regions, the drought conditions are extreme enough for states to declare emergencies and issue various alerts.
Cornish states use caution with lawn equipment, power tools, cigarettes, matches, grills, and BBQs. Cornish also urges those in areas impacted to consider composting leaves, mulching, or taking them to a recycling center.
