A large part of NORTH EAST are facing their most significant October fire threat in years as a cold front pushing off the coast is expected to leave dry and windy conditions in its wake this weekend amid a near-record dry stretch, which what led a state to declare a state of emergency.

NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center highlighted much of the I-95 corridor from Washington, DC TO Boston with an increased risk of fire. Additionally, fire weather warnings now cover 35 million people in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, the New York City metro area and Long Island through Saturday evening.

Fire Weather Alert (FOX Weather)

In many communities, wind gusts are expected to reach 25-35 mph, and with the combination of dry vegetation and fallen leaves, fires could quickly grow out of control.

Large areas of the Northeast have not seen significant rain in about a month, making October one of the driest on record. Philadelphia On Monday it is set to break the 150-year-old record for the longest dry stretch of 29 days, and in October it could be the first city without measurable rain.

According to the latest US Drought Monitor, 64% of the region is experiencing unusually dry conditions, and 30% have officially seen drought conditions.

Fire Weather Alert (FOX Weather)

FIRE DANGER REMAINS IN NORTHEAST AS WORK TO FIGHT DEADLY CONNECTICUT FLAME CONTINUES

More than a dozen fires broke out during the work week of Connecticutforcing the state governor to declare a state of emergency.

“Due to the critical fire weather conditions that Connecticut continues to experience, I am declaring a state of emergency,” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said. “This will help provide state and local emergency management officials with the tools they need to monitor and limit the threat of wildfires statewide.”

In addition, Connecticut called for a statewide burn ban effective Saturday.

“Conditions were nice for outdoor activities today, not so good for fire conditions,” Connecticut Fire Chief John Massirio said in Berlin during a news conference Saturday morning. “No burning in state parks, wildlife management areas or any state-owned property. There are no campfires, grills, open flames or heat sources.”

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said the combination of dry conditions and fallen leaves created a unique fire situation.

The wildfire burning near Berlin, Connecticut claimed his life when a firefighter retired from Hartford was killed when his utility vehicle overturned on steep, rocky terrain. Three other firefighters were injured.

All eyes on moisture

A saving grace for fires could be relative humidity valueswhich is expected to remain generally above 30% over the weekend.

Moisture in the air can make fuels less combustible and fires less intense.

In the western US, relative humidity values ​​during large fire events are typically significantly below 20%, causing erratic fire activity.

Expected Humidity Values ​​(FOX Weather)

TRICK-OR-TREATING IN SHORTS? HOT HALLOWEEN FOR MANY IN THE US

Another round of active fire weather is expected next week as temperatures reach the 70s and 80s in the days and hours ahead. Halloween.

On Thursday, cities such as Boston and new york expect daytime highs around 75 degrees, with temperatures dropping to near 70 degrees after sunset, providing a stark contrast to the typically chilly evenings.

Dry weather in October (FOX Weather)

A cold front is expected to move through the region at the end of the work week, bringing the best chance of precipitation in several weeks, but precipitation amounts are expected to remain light.

Significant relief from the drought is not in the offing until early next month, meaning threats of fire activity are likely to continue throughout the extended forecast period.

BUNDLE: Get wildfire updates and more at foxweather.com.