Severe Weather and Fire Risk For Upstate New York

Upstate New Yorkers need to be cautious as we face a elevated risks for fire as well as some severe weather.

Red Flag Warning

Currently there is a Red Flag warning for much of the Capital Region down into the Hudson Valley. From the National Weather Service:

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

This warning is currently in place until 7pm on May 5, 2026. Make sure that you're using extreme caution with anything flammable today, or just avoid using it.

Severe Weather

Not only are we having to worry about fire risk, but there is a threat of some severe weather today as well. Thankfully the risk is small, but will impact us later this evening. Some areas can see damaging winds as well as hail. This will mostly be affecting areas northwest of Albany.

If you do hear some rumblings of thunder later today that is why. With how warm it currently has been this type of weather being brewed isn't surprising. Just be sure to be prepared if you live in one of the areas that will be impacted directly due to this.

Read More: Was That A Tornado Near The Great New York State Fair?

This spring has been rough for Upstate New York. There have already been multiple tornadoes and the season for severe weather has only begun. We dealt with a brutally cold winter and above average snowfall. It looks like the weather odds just aren't in our favor.