The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Southampton community and all of Long Island until 8 p.m. Wednesday as a dry air mass and high winds have elevated a potential brushfire threat.
A dry airmass pushed into the area on Monday night behind a cold front that has dropped temperatures about 10 degrees. The air has quickly dried out and lighter material such as leaves, sticks and pine needles and could create the perfect kindling to start a fire.
The National Weather Service called it an "enhanced threat for the spread of wildfires" in its most recent message. "Any fires that start may rapily spread and be hard to extinguish."
With winds expected to be 15 to 25 mph and as high as 35 mph, any small fires could quickly escalate to brushfires or even a wildfire as dried material ignites.
Forecasts call for winds to be highest and relative humidity to be lowest during the afternoon. Residents should take precaution to put outdoor flames out, including lit cigarettes.
The Fire Weather Watch issued yesterday has been cancelled.