Wildfire Risk Increases In Northern Virginia, DC

The National Weather Service has released a hazardous weather outlook for increased risk of wildfires in Northern Virginia and DC throughout the day Thursday.

Forecasters say gusty winds combined with low humidity and low fuel moisture makes the threat of wildfires spreading greater late Thursday morning through the evening. The conditions will allow fires to potentially spread quickly on dry grasses and tree litter.

Wildfires can occur during any time of the year and in any location, from the wilderness to outside your home, according to ready.gov. Although wildfires can be started naturally, most are caused by humans. Residents are urged to use extra caution when handling flammable items, including machinery, cigarettes and matches.

The weather statement applies to the District of Columbia, Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax County, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County and King George County. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)

There is some good news: slight chances of rain and snow showers Thursday might mitigate the wildfire risk. Here's the forecast going into the weekend:

Thursday: Partly sunny with a slight chance of rain showers. A chance of flurries this morning, then a slight chance of snow showers this afternoon. Highs in the lower 50s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.

Thursday night: Partly cloudy with a slight chance of rain showers in the evening, then mostly clear after midnight. Lows around 30. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, diminishing to 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph after midnight. Chance of rain 20 percent.

Friday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

Friday night: Mostly clear with ows in the upper 20s.

Saturday: Partly sunny with chance of rain and snow showers or sleet in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 40s. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.

Sunday: Sunny. Highs in the lower 50s.

Image via Shutterstock