A Red Flag Warning​ is back in effect for much of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, as the fire threat remains high.

New Jersey has been experiencing a combination of dry forest grounds, dry air with relative humidity values and windy conditions. A Red Flag Warning meanswhen there are warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds in the forecast that combination can produce an increased risk of fire danger.

New York City has issued a red flag warning that will stay in effect until 6 p.m. Friday. A notice on the NotifyNYC social media account says, New Yorkers may see or smell smoke because of multiple wildfires burning in New Jersey.

The latest update to the U.S. Drought Monitor was issued Thursday and the news isn’t good.  The tri-state area is withering in a prolonged and increasingly extreme drought situation.  It started in September,

Record rainless streaks have caused extreme drought conditions and prompted officials to put a statewide ban on open fires.

Although the Red Flag Warning was issued for only Friday, the threat of wildfires across the region will persist until the pattern switches back to wet. As of now, a pattern change does not look likely in the short term.

Anyone who notices flames, smoke or other signs of a brush fire is urged to call it in immediately so firefighters can investigate and contain it as quickly as possible.

A Red Flag Warning remains in place Tuesday as brush fires continue to smolder across Massachusetts. Firefighters are on high alert and at the ready to respond to any flare-ups as windy, bone-dry conditions persist.