Washington woke up cool and breezy on Saturday, March 28, with upper‑30s chill and a stiff northwest wind already whistling through the city. A Special Weather Statement is in effect, warning that drying fine fuels and gusty winds could turn even a tiny spark into a fast‑moving wildfire between about 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Afternoon Gusts And Fire Risk
Forecasters say relative humidity may drop into the mid‑teens to mid‑20s while northwest gusts push roughly 20 to 30 mph, a combo that can help small ignitions spread in a hurry. The toughest stretch is expected between about 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. today, March 28. The National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington flagged the special statement and urged extra caution with cigarettes, machinery, and any outdoor burning during that window.
What To Expect This Weekend And Next Week
Today stays mostly sunny with a high near 52°F and northwest winds around 15 mph, with gusts up to about 26 mph. Tonight dips to around 32°F. After that, a solid warmup takes over: Sunday near 60°F with southerly winds, Monday near 72°F, and by Tuesday through Wednesday many spots could be pushing into the 80s before a midweek front increases the odds for showers and thunderstorms. If you are eyeing outdoor projects, the drier, gustier stretch early in the day and earlier in the week is your narrow sweet spot.
On The Water
A Small Craft Advisory is posted for parts of the Chesapeake and the tidal Potomac through 6 p.m. this evening, with choppy water and gusty conditions expected. Mariners should secure loose gear and think twice about small‑boat trips until winds back off. Gale‑force gusts are possible on the Potomac around daybreak, and conditions should ease later tonight.
Safety And Local Rules
Open burning in the District is generally off‑limits without a permit, and with low humidity and gusty winds this is not the day to test the rules with backyard fires or spark‑throwing equipment. For details on local open‑burning rules, see the District of Columbia regulations, and call 911 right away if you see smoke or an active fire.
