Baltimore, MD – The US National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington has issued a Red Flag Warning from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday for areas east of the Allegheny Mountains through the Shenandoah Valley, where dry conditions and gusty winds will elevate the risk of wildfires.
Forecasters say strong northwest winds, combined with low humidity and dry vegetation, will create critical fire weather conditions through the afternoon. Winds are expected to gust between 25 and 35 mph, with humidity levels dropping into the 20–30% range.
The warning includes locations such as Harrisonburg, Winchester, Staunton, Luray, and Franklin, extending across western Virginia and parts of eastern West Virginia.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, discard cigarettes safely, and secure any equipment that could spark a fire. Even small fires can spread rapidly under these conditions.
The Red Flag Warning is expected to expire by early Wednesday evening, as winds begin to weaken and humidity gradually increases overnight.
