MARYLAND — Several Maryland counties are under a red flag warning Wednesday, meaning gusty winds and low humidity are more likely to contribute to the rapid spread of fires.
According to the National Weather Service, the warning is in effect until 7 p.m. for the following counties: Carroll, Baltimore, Montgomery, Howard and Harford counties, along with nearby Northern Virginia counties and the District of Columbia.
Forecasters said the combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures could contribute to "extreme fire behavior" and cause any grass or brush fires to quickly spread out of control.
According to the forecast, Wednesday's winds are expected to reach 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
As of March 20, much of the Baltimore region was experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Drought Monitor.
Find out what's happening in Bel Airfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Marylanders should be cautious when handling open flames and also dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate containers. Residents should also keep vehicles off dry grass and check with local officials about burning ordinances or restrictions in their areas.
Windy conditions are expected to continue through Thursday before easing Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service.
The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang expects winds to die down in the evening and overnight. Temperatures will drop to the 30s overnight and return to highs of 50s or low 60s on Thursday. Scattered windy conditions could return Thursday.
Friday will usher in warmer weather, albeit with a chance of precipitation. The Capital Weather Gang expects temperatures in the high 60s. Then, temperatures will climb to the 70s near 80 on Saturday. Temperatures could remain in the 70s on Sunday, but forecasters are monitoring a chance of rain or thunderstorms.
Here's the forecast ahead from the National Weather Service:
Wednesday Afternoon: Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Northwest wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 58. West wind 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Southwest wind around 6 mph.
Friday: A chance of showers after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 67. South wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night: A chance of showers, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday Night: A chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Monday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 60%.