Lancaster County under second red flag warning this month Friday as drought continues

Lancaster County will be under another red flag warning Friday, indicating an increased risk of wildfires as warm, dry conditions persist.

Last month was the second-driest October on record, with just .04 inches of rain falling in the county, and this week the county reached record high temperatures.

The National Weather Service issued the red flag warning to let people know strong winds, low relative humidity and dry conditions could make any small fire, such as a backyard trash fire, spread out of control.

The weather service says the risk of rapidly spreading wildfires is high and recommends residents refrain from outdoor burning until the warning is lifted. The warning runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Winds are moving west at 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph and relative humidity could fall as low as 28%. Forecasters say temperatures likely will remain in the low 70s before dropping into the low 60s over the weekend.

The warning follows a record-breaking high of 83 degrees Wednesday, according to the Millersville Weather Information Center.

Lancaster County is experiencing a moderate drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, and neighboring Berks and Chester counties are in a severe drought. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection placed Lancaster County under a drought watch Nov. 1.

Drought conditions have led several county municipalities to ask residents to voluntarily conserve water and have been a factor in recent brush fires . The red flag warning covers nine counties in south-central PA.

The county may be in for a small measure of relief Sunday, as forecasters say there is about a 75% chance of light afternoon rain.