There is an elevated risk for fire spread the rest of today for the eastern shore of Maryland. Minimum relative humidity values have fallen below 30 percent early this afternoon. This will be accompanied by cool and dry northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. These conditions, along with the continued drying of fine fuels, could support the rapid spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control. Relative humidities will begin to increase towards evening and winds will decrease, yet remain elevated, after sunset. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials such as cigarette butts. This forecast considers meteorological, fuel, and land conditions and has been developed in coordination with state fire officials.
