There is an increased risk for rapid fire spread this afternoon across portions of eastern Pennsylvania and northwestern New Jersey.

Minimum relative humidity values will be between 20 and 30 percent combined with west winds of 10-20 mph and gusts of 20 to 30 mph. High temperatures this afternoon will range from the upper 40s to upper 50s.

These conditions along with the continued drying of fine fuels could support the rapid spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control.

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials such as cigarette butts.

The latest forecast:

This Afternoon: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. West wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 50. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55.

Friday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday: A chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday Night: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Chance of precipitation is 50%.