High winds coupled with a low moisture level on the ground will raise the threat for fire today in the Hagerstown area, according to the National Weather Service.
The moisture level in the ground today will be 5 to 7 percent, which is low, said Heather Sheffield, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sterling, Va.
“Anything above 8 (percent), we don’t have to worry about,” Sheffield said.
A fire weather watch will be in effect for the area this afternoon, when wind gusts could reach 60 mph by late afternoon, the weather service said.
The high winds are expected in advance of a strong cold front that will start crossing through the area Friday afternoon, Sheffield said.
