The Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for Wednesday afternoon for most of the state, meaning that critical fire weather conditions are expected.
It says a combination of dry conditions, strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures will create maximum potential for fires to develop.
It hasn't rained for almost two weeks across most of New Jersey, and scattered showers in the forecast for Wednesday morning aren't expected to bring much relief.
Winds are forecast to gust to 25 to 35 mph during the afternoon hours Wednesday with temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s.
