Relative humidity is forecast to fall into the 20 to 25 percent range across much of western North Carolina this afternoon. Winds are expected to be somewhat elevated in the afternoon, with gusts between 15 and 20 mph. The low humidity combined with gusty winds and very dry vegetation will result in an elevated threat for the rapid spread of wildfires across the area. A statewide burn ban has been issued by the North Carolina Forest Service. Outdoor burning is prohibited.
* AFFECTED AREAS: AVERY ... ALEXANDER ... IREDELL ... DAVIE ... MADISON ... YANCEY ... MITCHELL ... SWAIN ... HAYWOOD ... BUNCOMBE ... CATAWBA ... ROWAN ... GRAHAM ... NORTHERN JACKSON ... MACON ... SOUTHERN JACKSON ... TRANSYLVANIA ... HENDERSON ... CLEVELAND ... LINCOLN ... GASTON ... MECKLENBURG ... CABARRUS ... UNION ... CALDWELL MOUNTAINS ... GREATER CALDWELL ... BURKE MOUNTAINS ... GREATER BURKE ... MCDOWELL MOUNTAINS ... EASTERN MCDOWELL ... RUTHERFORD MOUNTAINS ... GREATER RUTHERFORD ... POLK MOUNTAINS ... EASTERN POLK
