Blacksburg, VA – Dangerous fire weather conditions are expected across Virginia and north-central North Carolina today as strong winds and very low humidity create an environment favorable for rapid fire spread. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, replacing the earlier Fire Weather Watch.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, the warning covers a broad area including central, western, and southwest Virginia, as well as north-central North Carolina. Counties included range from Tazewell, Smyth, Giles, Wythe, Pulaski, Montgomery, Carroll, Floyd, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Bedford, Franklin, Henry, Pittsylvania, Campbell, Halifax, Charlotte and more, extending south into Surry, Stokes, Rockingham, Caswell, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties in North Carolina.
Forecasters expect northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, combined with relative humidity as low as 20 percent. Afternoon temperatures may reach the upper 60s, further drying grasses, leaves, and other fine fuels.
According to the NWS, this combination of strong winds, warm temperatures, and very low humidity will create critical fire conditions, meaning any fire that starts could spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is highly discouraged, and accidental sparks from equipment, vehicles, or discarded cigarettes could ignite fires quickly.
The most dangerous conditions are expected from late morning through early evening, with the peak period occurring during the warmest, driest hours of the afternoon.
Residents, hikers, and outdoor workers are urged to avoid open flames, secure trailer chains, and use extreme caution with anything that could produce sparks.
