Increased Fire Danger Saturday in Virginia Due to Dry Conditions, High Winds: NWS

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a special weather statement warning of elevated fire danger Saturday across Virginia due to dry conditions combined with gusty winds.

The entire region is under a Wind Advisory from the National Weather Service Saturday at 12 noon to Sunday at midnight. Scattered power outages are expected, according to the NWS.

The gusty winds are courtesy of a cold front moving into the area Saturday afternoon, the weather service reports. Humidity may drop close to 30 percent while winds may gust to 40 MPH as the front passes through, the NWS said.

Any ongoing fires, controlled or otherwise, could quickly get out of control and grow rapidly in these conditions, according to the NWS. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged on Saturday, the weather service warned.

Areas under the watch include Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax City, Fairfax County, Fredericksburg, Loudoun County, Manassas, Manassas Park and Prince William County.

Also read: Virginia Weekend Weather: From Balmy to 'Brrrr!'

PHOTO of brush fire from Patch archive