* AFFECTED AREA...In Connecticut, Hartford, Tolland and Windham. In Massachusetts, Western Franklin, Eastern Franklin, Northern Worcester, Central Middlesex, Western Essex, Eastern Essex, Western Hampshire, Western Hampden, Eastern Hampshire, Eastern Hampden, Southern Worcester, Western Norfolk, Southeast Middlesex, Suffolk, Eastern Norfolk, Northern Bristol, Western Plymouth, Eastern Plymouth, Southern Bristol, Southern Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket and Northern Middlesex. In Rhode Island, Northwest Providence, Southeast Providence, Western Kent, Eastern Kent, Bristol, Washington, Newport and Block Island.

* TIMING...Until 6 PM EST Wednesday.

* WINDS...North 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent Wednesday afternoon in Rhode Island, interior Connecticut and Massachusetts, and around 30 to 40 percent Wednesday afternoon for Block Island, Cape Cod and the Islands.

* TEMPERATURES...Highs in the mid to upper 40s Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.