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WAKEFIELD, VA – The National Weather Service in Wakefield has issued a Red Flag Warning for portions of interior northeast North Carolina, which is in effect from 2 p.m. this afternoon to 8 p.m. this evening.

The affected area includes Bertie, Chowan, Gates, Hertford, and Northampton counties.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Winds today (Monday) are expected at 15-to-20 mph out of the west to northwest with gusts up to 35 mph. The relative humidity is low (at 15 to 25 percent).

Critical fire weather conditions are likely to develop today, especially from the mid afternoon through the early evening hours. All outdoor burning is discouraged.