Northern Virginia is under an elevated risk for fires from 11 a.m. through this evening, the National Weather Service said.
“Frequent gusts above 40 mph will be likely this afternoon and early this evening,” said NBC4 Washington meteorologist Chuck Bell.
The weather service said the greatest risk of wildfires is along and south of Interstate 66 and U.S. 50.
The forecast calls for winds out of the west at 20 to 30 mph in the valleys and 30 to 45 mph on the eastern slopes of the mountains. Gusts could reach 50 mph.
With dry conditions and low relative humidity, the risk of fires is higher. Because of the elevated risk, people are asked not to do outdoor burning.
“Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handling open flames or equipment that creates sparks. Also, dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate containers. Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey local burn bans. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly,” the National Weather Service said in a special statement.
Windy conditions may lead to downed trees and power lines, and fires are possible with downed lines.
While the inner suburbs have an elevated risk of fires, Stafford County, northwest Prince William County, and northern Fauquier County are among the regions where a red flag warning is in place, meaning the fire risk is even greater.
Temperatures Wednesday will reach into the 60s. Highs on Thursday will only be 45 to 50 degrees, with winds out of the northwest at 15 to 25 miles per hour and no chance for rain. On Friday, rain is likely after dark. Saturday’s forecast calls for heavy rain.
Feature image by Andriy Blokhin/stock.adobe.com
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