Weather alert issued for ten Massachusetts counties today

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for 10 counties in Massachusetts. This alert began on Sunday at 5:31 a.m. and will last until 7 p.m. The affected areas include Northern and Southern Worcester, Franklin, Middlesex, Essex, Hampshire, Hampden, Norfolk, Suffolk, Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable counties. The weather conditions pose an elevated risk for fires. Low humidity levels, around 20 percent, combined with northwest winds gusting up to 30 mph, can help fires spread quickly. Residents are advised to be careful when using equipment, smoking, or lighting matches. Fires could easily start and grow out of control. The warning was made in partnership with fire and land management officials in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.