Strong Winds Prompt Fire Watch In These NoVA Counties, Cities

A fire watch was issued for several Northern Virginia counties and cities on Saturday due to a combination of strong winds, low humidity and dry conditions, forecasters said.

The watch is in effect through Sunday afternoon for several counties, including Fairfax, Arlington, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Loudoun and Prince William, the National Weather Service said in an alert. The watch also includes the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park.

According to the forecast, winds are expected to reach 15 to 25 mph through Sunday, with gusts up to 45 mph. The strongest winds will be across the ridges, Northern Virginia and central Maryland, forecasters said.

"Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly," the National Weather Service said. "Outdoor burning is not recommended."

Under the watch, residents should be cautious when handling open flames and also dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate containers. Residents should also keep vehicles off dry grass and check with local officials about burning ordinances or restrictions in their areas.

In addition to strong winds, scattered showers are possible Saturday night, but likely won't amount to much, The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang said in its latest forecast.

"As breezes from the southwest gust near 20 mph by dawn, we’ll actually have warmed temperatures from near 60 degrees at sunset to perhaps mid-60s in the mildest spots by sunrise," the Capital Weather Gang said.

Meanwhile, Sunday is expected to be a mild day with sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 50s.