Red-flag warning issued for Tuesday

A continuing stretch of dry weather -- scarce rainfall and low humidity -- once again translates to a red-flag warning for brush fires, the National Weather Service said Tuesday.

The Upton-based service issued the warning for Long Island, New York City, the lower Hudson Valley and portions of Westchester County, Connecticut and New Jersey, from noon to 8 p.m.

In addition to the dry conditions, relatively strong northwest winds, 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, also elevate the risk, the service said.

Should a fire start, the wind creates potential for it to spread rapidly. The service said the three factors combine to mean "increased fire spread if ignition occurs."