Some Hawaii drivers were urged to park on paved areas Friday due to a red flag warning from the National Weather Service (NWS), which warned of “extreme fire behavior” if sparks ignited.

A red flag warning has been issued for the leeward portions of all Hawaiian Islands until 18:00 local time on Friday night. Although red flag warnings do not predict new fires, the warning means critical fire weather has occurred or will begin soon. Critical fire weather occurs when there are high winds, low relative humidity, and high temperatures that contribute to extreme fire behavior.

“Outdoor burning is not recommended,” the red flag warning on NWS Honolulu’s website said. “Heat from vehicle exhaust systems can ignite dry grass. Park cars in areas that have been paved or where vegetation has been cut and cleared. High winds add to the risk of wildfire. Delay activities that could create sparks until the wind is over.”

Eastward winds were between 20 and 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph and relative humidity as low as 40 to 45 percent.

NWS meteorologist Thomas Vaughan said red flag warnings are normal this time of year news week. As Hawaii transitions from its dry period to its rainy winter season, some of the vegetation remains dry due to the harsher winds during the change of season. Vaughan said wildfire season typically runs from August through November.

Vaughan added that windy conditions may continue into Saturday morning, but moisture is expected to ease fire concerns later in the day.

In addition to the red flag warning in Hawaii, a high surf warning, storm warning, small craft warning, wind warning and coastal flooding advisory have also been issued for the Aloha State. Most of the advisories were for windy conditions.

“Trade winds will continue to be windy through the weekend,” the NWS office in Honolulu previously wrote at X. excitementearlier this week. “Showers will pass in the upwind and mauka areas, but will also continue in the leeward areas. Drier weather will arrive by Friday, then showers will increase on Saturday.”

In August 2023, Hawaii battled explosive fires on Maui. It tore Lahaina apart. The fires killed more than 100 people and left thousands homeless.

The red flag warning in Hawaii comes as other parts of the United States, such as the Northeast, including New Jersey and New York, also face high risk of wildfire. There was a drought in the northeast increased drought and wildfire conditions contributing in many states record number of bush fires The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) responded to the situation last week.

The National Interagency Fire Center reports that there are four states currently battling major wildfires: California, Massachusetts, North Carolina and West Virginia.

The NWS also issued red flag warnings for southern Connecticut, southern Vermont, Maine, New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island on Friday.