ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — It seems the cold temperatures will be here for a while longer … and they will be joined by windy conditions tonight and Thursday.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory from 7 p.m. Wednesday until 4 p.m. Thursday. West winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.
Because of the high fire danger, low humidity and strong gusty winds, the Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office has banned open burning for the entire county.
The ban does not include fires contained in a pit, barbecue grill, cooking or warming fires, or chiminea devices smaller than 3 feet in diameter.
The ban is in effect until 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 but could be extended, officials said.
According to the National Weather Service, the large concern tonight will be the winds. The wind potential will be higher farther to the north, and a High Wind Warning has been issued for Avery County. A High Wind Advisory has been issued for the remainder of the Blue Ridge/downslope zones as far south as Buncombe and Rutherford counties.
The forecast, according to the National Weather Service:
- Tonight: Mostly clear with a low around 32.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny with temperatures in the 30s.Northwest wind 14 to 18 mph with gusts as high as 37 mph.
- Thursday night: Mostly clear with a low around 14. Northwest wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
- Friday: Sunny with a high near 38. Northwest wind 7 to 10 mph.
- Friday night: Mostly clear with a low around 18.