This story was originally produced by the Concorde monitor. NHPR is reissuing it in partnership with the Granite State News Collaboration.

A very dry and hot October has raised the possibility of wildfires in New Hampshire, with officials declaring today the first “high” fire risk day of the season.

The risk is unlikely to improve anytime soon, with little or no rain forecast for at least a week.

October saw very little rain across the Northeast and last week saw unusually high temperatures, with many places setting records for late October. The southern half of New Hampshire is currently classified as “moderately dry,” the first nationwide measure of drought, with the coastal area already listed as being in “moderate drought.”

Much of the United States experienced a very dry fall after a wet spring and normal summer. The National Weather Service says this October could be the driest on record for the entire country.

As for wildfire risk, the New Hampshire Division of Forestry and Lands ranks it using the National Five-Point Fire Risk Rating System, which takes into account temperature, humidity , recent weather conditions as well as conditions on the ground.

High fire risk is the third rung on the ladder, with wildfires considered “likely” and “difficult to control in windy conditions.”

Many fire departments prohibit outdoor burning when a high fire danger is declared by the state.

Fall is often a time of high fire danger in New England because leaves fall from trees before cold weather sets in, allowing sunlight to reach the ground and dry materials, creating more combustible materials.