Dry and windy conditions have prompted a red flag warning for wildfires across parts of the East, including New York, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley.

The National Weather Service says gusty winds, along with humidity levels as low as 20 percent, mean there is a “great potential” for wildfires in the area through the day along with the possibility any blazes that do start could easily spread. The driest conditions, along with the highest winds, are projected during the afternoon hours. In New York, winds could gust to as high as 35 mph.

The warnings extend from Virginia north to Connecticut and will stay in effect into the evening hours Wednesday. Forecasters are also cautioning against doing any outdoor burning.

(AP)