Blacksburg, VA – Fire weather concerns will be elevated across southwest Virginia, southeast West Virginia, and northwest North Carolina this afternoon as gusty winds and very low humidity create conditions favorable for rapid fire spread, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Blacksburg.
Forecasters report that relative humidity will drop to 20–30 percent today, while west to northwest winds are expected to gust 20 to 25 mph. Combined with very dry fuels such as dead brush and fallen leaves, even small fires may spread quickly.
NWS officials strongly advise delaying any outdoor burning until wind speeds ease and humidity increases. “If you must burn today, please use extreme caution,” the agency said. Many rural areas across the region have significant leaf litter and dry vegetation, increasing the risk of accidental fire growth.
Elevated fire concerns will continue into the early evening before winds gradually diminish. Dry conditions are expected to persist into Friday as well, though humidity may improve slightly.
Communities most affected include Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Wytheville, Hillsville, Bluefield, Princeton, and surrounding mountain and foothill regions. Much of southeast West Virginia and northwest North Carolina falls within the same elevated risk zone.
Local officials often recommend monitoring any open flame at all times, avoiding burning near structures or wooded areas, and ensuring that all embers are fully extinguished before leaving a site.
With no significant moisture expected through the end of the week, NWS warns that fire-sensitive conditions may continue on a day-to-day basis ahead of the next chance for rain early next week.
