Stormy Winds Raise Fire Risk This Afternoon

The day’s weather plan warns that fire danger will rise between 1 p. m. and 7 p. m. Monday because the wind will shift from the northwest and dry air will dominate the area. Temperatures stay warm, while humidity falls to 20 %–30 %. Wind gusts will top 20 mph, creating a dry and windy mix that can spark and spread fires quickly. Wildfire crews expect the conditions to help small flames grow fast, especially across dry grass and fallen leaves. People should stay alert because a fire could ignite in minutes if sparks appear.To stay safe, throw cigarette butts and matches into proper containers and avoid using equipment that can produce sparks. Do not park cars on dry grass, and follow any local burn bans that forbid open fires before 4 p. m. each day until the end of April. Virginia residents are urged to check state forestry or environmental websites for more tips on preventing fires and staying safe. Local weather sites like weather. gov and roanoke. com/weather will post updates if the situation changes. The warning was generated with AI help using data from the National Weather Service, so it is important to confirm details by visiting official sources.