Posted on 11/01/24
| News Source: Pikesville Patch
Baltimore, MD - Nov. 1, 2024 - Several Maryland counties are under a red flag warning Friday, meaning dry conditions and gusty winds are more likely to contribute to the rapid spread of fires.
According to the National Weather Service, the warning is in effect from noon to 6 p.m. for the following counties: Frederick, Carroll, Baltimore, Cecil, Allegany, Montgomery, Howard and Harford.
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.
Winds on Friday are expected to reach 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, according to the forecast.
As of Nov. 1, much of the Baltimore region was experiencing abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Drought Monitor.
Meanwhile, eastern counties were experiencing moderate to severe drought while dry conditions in the far western portion of the state were flagged as extreme.
Marylanders should be cautious when handling open flames and also dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate containers. Forecasters also urged residents to keep vehicles off dry grass and to heed local burn bans.