Charlottesville, VA – Dry, gusty winds and low humidity are creating dangerous fire conditions across parts of Virginia and West Virginia. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Elevated Threat for rapid fire spread east of the Alleghenies, including the Shenandoah Valley, through 7 p.m. Thursday.
According to the NWS Baltimore/Washington office, northwest winds between 10-20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph—potentially reaching 50 mph over the ridges—are expected throughout the day. Humidity levels in the affected areas are projected to remain critically low, ranging from 15-20% in the yellow-outlined high-risk zones.
Cities under this threat include Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Winchester, Martinsburg, Cumberland, and Front Royal. These areas saw little to no rainfall yesterday, further increasing fire danger.
Residents are urged to follow local burn bans and avoid any outdoor burning. The combination of strong winds, dry air, and parched vegetation can cause fires to spread rapidly and become difficult to control.
Authorities advise extreme caution with outdoor equipment, cigarettes, and anything that could spark a fire. Any fires that ignite today may quickly become unmanageable. Stay informed by monitoring local weather updates and emergency alerts.
