Virginia Special Weather Statement | Effective 04/19/2026 14:00

Headline: 
Special Weather Statement issued April 19 at 5:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Event: 
Special Weather Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
April 19, 2026 - 2:00pm
Expires: 
April 20, 2026 - 2:00am
Description: 
The combination of low relative humidity values in the 20 to 30 percent range, dry fuels, and gusty northwest winds will result in an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires across much of central and eastern Virginia Monday afternoon. 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.
Area Description: 
Fluvanna; Prince Edward; Cumberland; Goochland; Caroline; Mecklenburg; Lunenburg; Nottoway; Amelia; Powhatan; Westmoreland; Richmond; Northumberland; Lancaster; Brunswick; Dinwiddie; Prince George; Charles City; New Kent; Gloucester; Middlesex; Mathews; Greensville; Sussex; Surry; James City; Southampton; Chesapeake; Virginia Beach; Accomack; Northampton; 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; York; Newport News; Hampton/Poquoson; Isle of Wight; Suffolk; Norfolk; Portsmouth
Forcast Office: 
NWS Wakefield VA