Heightened Fire Risk Alert In MD Because Of Dry, Windy Conditions

MARYLAND — Persistent dry conditions and gusty winds could mean an increased risk of wildfires in Maryland on Thursday. Meanwhile, forecasters are urging residents to be cautious if handling open flames or equipment that may create sparks.

The National Weather Service in Baltimore issued a hazardous weather outlook for the entire state. According to the alert, elevated fire weather conditions are likely Thursday afternoon into Thursday night due to the combination of strong winds, low humidity and dry terrain that could fuel wildfires.

"Relative humidity values around 30 percent are expected, along with sustained northwesterly winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts of 25 to 30 mph," NWS forecasters said. "This will result in the rapid drying of fine fuels."

As of Oct. 24, much of the Baltimore region was experiencing abnormally dry conditions, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Drought Monitor.

Meanwhile, counties on the state’s Eastern Shore were experiencing moderate to severe drought while dry conditions in the far western portion of the state were flagged as extreme.

Dry conditions paired with strong winds could easily spark a wildfire, forecasters said. As a result, Marylanders be cautious when handling open flames and also dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate containers.

Forecasters also urged residents to keep vehicles off of dry grass and to heed local burn bans.

"Most dry grasses, dead leaves and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly," forecasters said.

While winds are expected to calm after Thursday, forecasters said dry conditions are expected to persist into next week. Here's a look at the detailed NWS forecast through the weekend:

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Northwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 44. North wind around 7 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind 3 to 5 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 72. Northwest wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 63.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.