Fire Weather Page

Back-to-Back Pacific Storms to Impact the West Coast; Heavy Snow in the Central Appalachians

Back-to-back powerful Pacific storm systems to impact the Pacific Northwest and northern California through the end of this week with heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, and higher elevation mountain snow. A strong, long-duration atmospheric river will accompany the Pacific storms, bringing excessive rainfall and flash flooding to southwest Oregon and northwest California through the week. Read More >

State Fire Weather Operations Plans

Area NWS Fire Weather Forecasts

NWS Sterling Fire Weather Planning forecasts are issued twice a day, at 5:10 AM and 2:10 PM.

Red Flag Criteria

Sustained winds 20 mph along with relative humidity less than 30 percent and fuel moisture less than or equal to 8 percent will initiate a call to the Maryland State Agency regarding a Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch.

For Virginia, a call will be made when sustained winds of 20 mph and relative humidity of less than 30 percent combines with fuel moistures less than 8 percent. Temperatures must be above 40 degrees.

For West Virginia, sustained winds 20 mph along with relative humidity less than or equal to 25 percent and fuel moisture less than or equal to 8 percent will initiate a call to the State Agency.

Special Weather Statements

Issued in coordination with the state agencies when near red flag criteria are expected.

NWS Sterling Latest Red Flag Warning / Fire Weather Watch - if recently issued/available

NWS Sterling Fire Weather Forecast - available year round (map of area with fire weather zones)

NWS Sterling Fire Weather Matrix (how to decode)

NWS Wakefield Fire Weather Forecast (map of area)

NWS Blacksburg Fire Weather Forecast (map of area)

NWS Mt. Holly Fire Weather Forecast (map of area)

Graphical Fire Weather Forecast

RAWS Point Forecasts: