ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office has issued an open burning ban because of extreme fire danger conditions, including low humidity and gusty winds.

The ban applies to all open burning, including yard waste, debris and land-clearing burns. Fires in pits, barbecue grills, cooking fires, warming fires or chimnea and outdoor stoves smaller than 3 feet in diameter are exempt, the fire marshal’s office said.

This ban will remain in effect until 9 a.m. Friday, March 21, with the possibility of an extension based on conditions.

According to the National Weather Service, critically low relative humidity values ranging from 10 to 25 percent will develop this afternoon. Gusty southwest winds will
also develop this afternoon, ranging from 15-25 mph east of the mountains and 20-35 mph across the mountains. Low relative humidity, gusty winds and dry fuels will result in increased fire danger, weather officials said.

Wednesday is expected to be the warmest day of the week with highs expected to climb 10-15 degrees above normal, the National Weather Service said. A weak cold front is expected to track across the area late tonight, bringing scattered rain showers.

The forecast for the Asheville area, according to the National Weather Service:

  • Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.
  • Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 5 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. South southeast wind around 8 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
  • Thursday: A chance of showers before 11 a.m., then a slight chance of showers after 5 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming northwest 12 to 17 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
  • Thursday night: A chance of rain showers, mixing with snow after midnight, then gradually ending. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 29. Blustery, with a north-northwest wind 21 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
  • Friday: Sunny, with a high near 59. North northwest wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
  • Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34.