Fire Danger and Drought Threat is Likely for our Coverage Area

Photo by Anton Ivanchenko on Unsplash

MARTINSVILLE – Over the last few weeks, you may have noticed we have been rain free and that has created a fire and drought threat. Much of the Mid-Atlantic states, including Virginia, has been dealing with this impact for quite a while.

With that in mind, a burn ban has been issued for many counties and cities across the state, including in our own backyards.

As of Friday, September 27, 2019, a Burn Ban has been issued for the following locations until further notice:

Franklin County

Henry County

Patrick County

Rocky Mount

The list of locations is likely to grow throughout the week, as more dry days are in the forecast.

For those wondering when the last time our area has seen a nice, soaking rain shower or thunderstorm was mid to late August and the first week of September.

According to Drought.gov, Henry and Patrick County are in a level of D0 - Abnormally Dry, which means short-term dryness of the plant life and the crops could start to have a hard time trying to survive. For Franklin County it is in a level of D1- Moderate Drought, which means a damage to crops are possible and a shortage of water could start to develop.

Every Thursday of the month, an update of the drought is released out, which BTW21's Weatherman Dustin Staples will have an update on Thursday's Weather Forecast.