Charlottesville, VA – A combination of gusty winds and low humidity is increasing the threat of rapid fire spread across parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and western Maryland through 7 p.m. Friday, prompting a special weather statement from the National Weather Service.
According to the NWS Baltimore/Washington office, relative humidity levels will dip as low as 15 percent in the Shenandoah Valley and eastern Allegheny regions. Winds from the northwest are expected to range from 10 to 20 mph, with widespread gusts between 30 to 40 mph and isolated ridge-top gusts reaching up to 50 mph.
The elevated fire risk affects a broad area including Charlottesville, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Winchester, Martinsburg, Cumberland, and surrounding communities. Temperatures will reach the upper 50s to low 60s, further drying vegetation and increasing flammability.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning during this period. “If you must burn, use extreme caution,” the NWS advised. Residents should consult local burn permitting authorities for restrictions.
This heightened fire weather is unusual but not unprecedented for March in the region, where dormant vegetation and dry air often create volatile conditions. Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor flames and monitor emergency alerts throughout the day.
