Alert Special Weather Statement until WED 5:00 PM EDT Apr 22, 2026 Apr 22, 2026 Updated 16 hrs ago Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Increased Fire Danger in Southern Virginia Until 5 PM TodayWhat’s Happening:A fire weather advisory is in effect due to low humidity, ongoing drought, and gusty winds, increasing the risk of wildfires.Affected Areas:Southern VirginiaWhat to Expect:Low relative humidity between 20% and 30%Gusty winds drying out fuelsHeightened potential for rapid fire spreadImpacts:Increased risk of wildfiresPotential for rapid ignition of dry grass and tree litter Safety Tips:Dispose of cigarette butts and matches in proper containers.Avoid operating equipment that could create sparks.Refrain from parking vehicles on dry grass or leaves.Consider postponing burning until a wind-free evening.Check for local burn bans with county officials. People are also reading… Franklin County residents push back on proposed tax increases, zoning changes Products at 3 Rocky Mount vape shops seized for possibly illegal THC amounts Rocky Mount keeps tax rates level, but service rates will increase Single-vehicle wreck kills 18-year-old in Franklin County Franklin County man sentenced in fatal Henry County crash After fall: Justin Fairfax's 'profound retreat' from family Madison Warner, daughter of Sen. Mark Warner, dies at age 36 Virginia voters narrowly pass redistricting referendum Franklin County School Board expels 4-day school week proposal Former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax fatally shot wife before taking own life, police say Bonnie & Clyde musical coming to Smith Mountain Lake Martinsville audit reveals control failures under former city manager Pentagon fired US Navy Secretary John Phelan, source says Rocky Mount mayor wins ‘Kiss the Pig’ at Spencer-Penn fundraiser Skydiver rescued after crashing into Lane Stadium video board When to Check Back:Monitor weather.gov or thefranklinnewspost.com/weather for updates.This weather alert was produced with AI assistance using National Weather Service data. Local Weather Get the daily forecast and severe weather alerts in your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Related to this story Most Popular Special Weather Statement until WED 12:00 PM EDT Increased Fire Danger in Southern Virginia Today Watch Now: Related Video Unable to play video AP top stories April 22 AP top stories for April 21 AP AP top stories for April 21 AP top stories for April 20 AP AP top stories for April 20 AP top stories April 19 AP AP top stories April 19