Saturday

04-19-2025 Vol 1935

New Yorkers to Experience Warm Easter Weekend Amid Fire Risk and Allergy Concerns

New Yorkers have recently endured a weather rollercoaster that has seen temperatures swing dramatically, but the region is finally set to enjoy a spell of warmth over the Easter weekend.

Thursday is projected to start mild, but as the week progresses, temperatures are expected to steadily rise, peaking on Saturday with highs feeling more akin to June than April.

Forecasts suggest temperatures might reach up to 15 to 20 degrees above average, creating an enticing atmosphere for outdoor activities.

Easter Sunday promises pleasant weather as well, although it won’t be as warm as Saturday; still, temperatures will remain above average, resembling May weather conditions.

However, the anticipated warmth, coupled with gusty winds, brings an elevated risk of fire throughout the state.

Forecasters are cautioning residents to be wary of conditions that could fuel wildfires, particularly in certain regions.

Adding to the challenges, allergy sufferers may find themselves grappling with increased pollen counts, particularly from tree pollen as its levels spike due to the warmer temperatures.

Beginning Thursday, some areas may experience a frosty morning, but a quick warm-up is expected.

CBS meteorologist John Elliott remarked on Wednesday night, “It is cold tonight into tomorrow but warmer days are coming your way, which is the good news, and we’re not alone.

It’s gonna be a big warm up for much of the southeast and into our area.”

John highlighted that while the pleasant weather will benefit many during the Easter weekend, the fire risk remains a concern.

He added, “They were dealing with some wind advisories and fire advisories in parts of the southeast. We have that elevated fire risk in our area.”

He urged: “There’s enough wind, there’s enough fuel, as always be fire safe and smart.”

Eventually, winds are expected to subside, allowing the heat to build as a significant warm-up is forecasted.

Residents across New York can look forward to basking in warm weather, although certain regions are identified as facing elevated wildfire risks.

The National Weather Service indicates that the highest risks will be in the middle and upper Hudson Valley and Catskills regions, which include the Capital Region, the Lake George and Saratoga region, as well as the mid Hudson Valley, Taconics, and southeast Catskills.

Allergy sufferers could also experience adverse effects from the warmer temperatures as tree pollen levels rise.

John explained, “Tree pollen is up, even with this back and forth cold, it’s been a wet spring so man the buds are blooming and that’s probably what’s causing any issues.”

Thursday will begin with temperatures in the 30s and 40s for most, but a quick rise is expected throughout the day.

“Thursday night feels great, better a little more sun, a little less wind.

Friday morning, no problems…then into the afternoon, 60s and 70s,” John added.

He described Saturday’s weather as “wild,” saying, “This is wild; Saturday 49 in Montauk, 69 in Toms River, but by the afternoon the 80s for parts of our area.”

The warm weather is anticipated to last, with pleasant temperatures continuing into Sunday, reaching highs of 68F.

However, come Monday, the scene shifts as sunshine gives way to rain showers, though temperatures are forecasted to remain in the 60s for much of the following week, marking a return to more traditional spring conditions.

In response to the heightened fire risk, the National Weather Service has urged New Yorkers to “exercise caution.”

The agency stressed that the combination of low relative humidity values between 20 and 25 percent and wind gusts of 20 to 25 mph creates a considerable fire spread risk.

They cautioned citizens to “exercise caution handling any potential ignition sources, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches.

Any fires that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly,” they warned.

image source from:https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/new-york-facing-fire-risk-1097762

Benjamin Clarke