Blacksburg, VA – The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Special Weather Statement warning of increased fire danger across portions of southern Virginia and northern North Carolina on Wednesday, October 22.
Behind a departing cold front, dry and breezy conditions are expected to develop late Wednesday morning and persist into the evening. Forecasters say relative humidity will fall to between 25 and 30 percent, with wind gusts up to 25 mph across the North Carolina foothills and Virginia Piedmont.
The combination of low humidity, dry vegetation, and gusty winds will create favorable conditions for rapid fire spread if any outdoor burning occurs.
The advisory covers multiple counties including Patrick, Pittsylvania, Henry, Bedford, Campbell, Halifax, and Amherst in Virginia, and Ashe, Alleghany, Surry, and Rockingham in North Carolina.
Officials urge residents to check with local burn permitting authorities before burning and to avoid outdoor fires entirely if possible. “Even a small fire can spread quickly under these conditions,” the NWS cautioned.
Winds are expected to decrease Wednesday night as humidity levels begin to recover.
