Today: Wind Advisory with a side of wildfire risk

Get ready for a particularly breezy afternoon and evening.

Arlington and much of the D.C. region will be under a Wind Advisory, starting at 1 p.m. today (Tuesday).

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM EST THIS EVENING…

* WHAT…West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts around 50 mph expected.

* WHERE…The Washington and Baltimore Metropolitan areas, northern and central Virginia, and eastern West Virginia.

* WHEN…From 1 PM this afternoon to 7 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

A strong cold front will approach the area this morning and continue through the early and mid-afternoon hours. Mild conditions with gusty WNW winds will persist through the early evening hours. Wind Advisories and Gale Warnings are in effect for some areas through later today. pic.twitter.com/JoHiRR33zW

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) February 21, 2023

Although some overnight rain dampened the ground, low humidity this afternoon may enhance the risk of wildfires.

Arlington is not immune from such risks and typically sees a few small brush fires each year.

…ENHANCED THREAT FOR THE SPREAD OF WILDFIRES THIS AFTERNOON…

West winds of 20 to 30 mph will gust to 40 to 50 mph will develop this afternoon into early this evening across central Virginia, northern Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley. These westerly winds will be accompanied by minimum relative humidity values of 20 to 30 percent. Although fuels are relatively damp owing to recent rainfall, they will quickly dry out, leading to an enhanced threat for the spread of wildfires.

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged during this time. Please refer to your local burn permitting authority on whether you can burn. If you do burn, use extreme caution and ensure fire suppression is readily available.

Also today, there’s a chance of thunderstorms with the passing of a cold front in the early afternoon.

Some of the isolated storms may cross the immediate D.C. region.

Showers and an isolated thunderstorm are possible early this afternoon (approximately noon-3 PM) from U.S. 15 eastward (includes the DC & Baltimore metros) and into areas of southern MD. The main threats are strong gusty winds and small hail. #MDwx #VAwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/xqRo0zB3zV

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) February 21, 2023