Pittsburgh, Western PA Under Increased Fire Risk Alert

PITTSBURGH, PA — The National Weather Service is warning of an increased fire danger this afternoon in Pittsburgh and most of Western Pennsylvania.

The affected counties include Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Washington, Armstrong, Westmoreland, Lawrence, Clairon, Jefferson and Greene.

Low relative humidity values resulting from exceptionally dry weather will impose an increased risk for fire spread. Relative humidity values are expected to drop into the upper 30 to low 40 percent range during peak heating hours across eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.

Southerly wind gusts up to 15-20 mph at times are expected this afternoon.

The weather service urges exercising enhanced caution with activities that involve open flames or sparks as fires can easily spread in these weather conditions.