MD Fire Risk Increases With Strong Winds Friday: Weather Service

BALTIMORE, MD — Strong winds and low humidity expected across Maryland have prompted a fire weather watch for Maryland on Friday. The National Weather Service has issued the special weather statement to alert residents that there is an enhanced threat of wildfires on April 13.

The combination of southwest winds gusting to 25 to 30 mph and low humidity levels between 30 to 35 percent will lead to increased fire danger Thursday afternoon and early evening. Residents are urged to exercise caution handling any potential ignition source, including machinery, cigarettes and matches, the Weather Service says. Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any dry grasses and tree litter that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly.

Sustained southwest winds between 15 and 20 mph with frequent gusts of 25 to 30 mph are expected, which will enhance the threat for the spread of wildfires this afternoon and into this evening.

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The forecast call for mostly sunny skies on Friday with a high near 82. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 14 mph. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph, the NWS says.

Areas included in the special weather statement warning of fire risk are: the District of Columbia, Frederick, Carroll, Baltimore, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Charles, St. Marys, Calvert, Allegany, Montgomery, Howard, and Harford counties.

Outdoor burning is discouraged; check with your local fire officials for ban. Any fires could quickly grow out of control.

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