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WWUS81 KLWX 201657
SPSLWX

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1257 PM EDT Wed Mar 20 2024


ANZ535-DCZ001-MDZ003-004-013-016-501>504-VAZ053-054-503-505-506-
WVZ051>053-501-503-505-210000-
Tidal Potomac from Key Bridge to Indian Head MD-
District of Columbia-Washington-Frederick MD-Prince Georges-
Charles-Extreme Western Allegany-Central and Eastern Allegany-
Northwest Montgomery-Central and Southeast Montgomery-Fairfax-
Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Western Highland-
Western Loudoun-Eastern Loudoun-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-
Western Grant-Western Mineral-Western Pendleton-
Including the cities of Washington, Hagerstown, Frederick, 
Ballenger Creek, Bowie, Suitland-Silver Hill, Clinton, 
College Park, Greenbelt, Laurel, Camp Springs, St. Charles, 
Waldorf, Frostburg, Cumberland, Germantown, Damascus, Bethesda, 
Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Reston, Herndon, 
Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington, 
Alexandria, Falls Church, Hightown, Purcellville, Leesburg, 
Ashburn, Sterling, Paw Paw, Martinsburg, Charles Town, 
Shepherdstown, Bayard, Mount Storm, Elk Garden, and Riverton
1257 PM EDT Wed Mar 20 2024

...ELEVATED FIRE DANGER IN EFFECT THROUGH 8 PM THIS EVENING FOR 
PORTIONS OF NORTHERN VA, MARYLAND, AND EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA...

Elevated fire weather conditions are expected through this evening 
across most of Maryland, eastern West Virginia, and Virginia.

Relative humidity values are expected to drop back to around 25 
to 30 percent this afternoon, with some areas possibly seeing 
relative humidity values below 25 percent for a couple of hours. 
West wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph are expected in the valleys, with 
40 to 55 mph on the eastern slopes of the mountains. This will 
result in the continued drying of fine fuels.

Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handling 
open flames or equipment that creates sparks. Also, dispose of 
cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate 
containers. Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey local burn bans. 
Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily 
ignite and spread fire quickly.

For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, 
and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state's 
forestry or environmental protection website.

$$

DHOF