Special Weather Statement from National Weather Service for Virginia, Maryland and D.C.

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro.

A Hazardous Weather Outlook was issued for Thursday afternoon warning of elevated fire conditions but did not include the weekend.

The most recent alert covers Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. It began at 1:10 p.m. on Friday and ends Sunday at 4 a.m.

The elevated fire conditions are now expected to continue due to the combination of dry conditions and gusty winds, particularly in the 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. timeframe on Saturday, the weather agency said Friday.

Daytime relative humidity values around 30% are expected, along with sustained northwesterly winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts of 25 to 30 mph. This will result in the rapid drying of fine fuels like grass, leaves, and small shrubs, the statement said.

Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handling open flames or equipment that create sparks. Also, dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate containers.

Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey local burn bans. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread a fire quickly.

For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit the state's forestry or environmental protection website .

More: Federal judge halts Virginia's purge of voter rolls; governor says state will appeal

More: Blue Ridge Parkway update on road closures in Virginia Oct. 25

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Special Weather Statement from National Weather Service for Virginia, Maryland and D.C.