North Carolina, Virginia Special Weather Statement | Effective 04/14/2026 17:10

Headline: 
Special Weather Statement issued April 14 at 8:10PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Event: 
Special Weather Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
April 14, 2026 - 5:10pm
Expires: 
April 15, 2026 - 4:00am
Description: 
The combination of low relative humidity values in the 25 to 30 percent range, dry fuels, and SW winds gusting up to around 20 mph will result in an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires across much of central and eastern Virginia, including the Richmond metro area. In addition, this statement also includes Northampton County, North Carolina. Residents are urged to exercise caution handling any potential ignition source, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches. Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any dry grasses and tree litter that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly. Virginia residents are reminded that open burning is prohibited before 4 PM EDT each day through April 30th. A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service is currently in place. Open burning of any kind is illegal.
Area Description: 
Northampton; Fluvanna; Prince Edward; Cumberland; Goochland; Caroline; Mecklenburg; Lunenburg; Nottoway; Amelia; Powhatan; Westmoreland; Richmond; Brunswick; Dinwiddie; Prince George; Charles City; New Kent; Greensville; Sussex; Surry; James City; Southampton; Isle of Wight; Western Louisa; Eastern Louisa; Western Hanover; Eastern Hanover; Western Chesterfield; Eastern Chesterfield (Including Col. Heights); Western Henrico (Including the City of Richmond); Eastern Henrico; Western King William; Eastern King William; Western King and Queen; Eastern King and Queen; Western Essex; Eastern Essex
Forcast Office: 
NWS Wakefield VA