Heat is building across the region, with possible record highs, worsening drought conditions and elevated fire danger ahead of a late-week front.
Heat continues to build across the region, with forecasters warning that temperatures will climb into the 80s and lower 90s over the next few days.
WDBJ7 said the setup could produce record highs in some spots. The forecast update also noted that drought is worsening and fire danger is elevated, with burn bans already in place in multiple counties.
State and federal guidance backs up the drought concerns. The National Weather Service in Wakefield says drought conditions are expected to persist through the end of April 2026 across much of the area, and the Virginia Department of Forestry says the statewide 4 PM Burning Law remains in effect through April 30.
WSLS reported that the USDA has designated 24 Virginia localities as drought disaster areas, underscoring how widespread the dry conditions have become.
Forecasters say a front could arrive by Sunday and bring scattered showers along with a cooler pattern. Until then, the main concerns are heat, dryness and elevated fire risk.
Revision note
Initial automated publication.