Crush those smokes today. And it would be best to delay any outdoor burning you planned. Strong breezes and low humidity are adding to the danger of wildfires across Maryland on Thursday.
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for all of Maryland west of the Chesapeake Bay, noting the increased risk that outdoor fires will spread and get out of control. On the Eastern Shore, the NWS forecast office in Mt. Holly, N.J. has posted Red Flag Warnings for all of Delaware and the Maryland's northern Shore counties.
Relative humidity readings are already dropping in the Baltimore area, from 61 percent this morning to 39 percent just before noon at The Sun. The NWS says those readings will sink to around 25 percent this afternoon, while winds gust to 25 mph.
The statement and warning are in effect from noon until 8 p.m. this evening.
(SUN PHOTO/Doug Kapustin 2001)