Last Updated on March 27, 2026 3:00 pm
All three High Country counties are under fire danger alerts for Saturday, March 28, as dry and breezy conditions follow tonight's rain and cold front.
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued an Increased Fire Danger advisory for Watauga and Ashe counties from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Northwest winds gusting up to 25 mph, combined with relative humidity values between 15 and 25 percent, will create conditions where dry fine fuels, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.
Avery County is under a stronger Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, in effect from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Northeast winds of 10 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph and humidity values as low as 13 percent mean any fire that develops will catch and spread rapidly.
Residents across all three counties are urged not to burn yard debris Saturday. The National Weather Service also recommends properly disposing of cigarette butts and matches in appropriate containers, using caution with any equipment that could create sparks, and keeping vehicles off dry grass.
Forecast courtesy of the National Weather Service.
