Weather Warnings for North Carolina

Issued by the National Weather Service

Current watches, warnings, and advisories for North Carolina
Alerts Updated: April 22, 2026, 10:00 am  UTC


Special Weather Statement issued April 22 at 5:02AM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC

Summary: The combination of dry fuels, gusty southwest to west winds, and low relative humidity of about 20-30% this afternoon into the evening will lead to an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly. A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service is currently in place. Open burning of any kind is illegal.
Severity:  Moderate    Effective:  April 22, 2026, 5:02 am      Expires:  April 22, 2026, 8:00 pm
Area:  Martin; Pitt; Washington; Tyrrell; Mainland Dare; Greene; Beaufort; Mainland Hyde; Duplin; Lenoir; Jones; Pamlico; Northern Craven; Southern Craven; West Carteret; East Carteret; Inland Onslow; Coastal Onslow; Northern Outer Banks; Ocracoke Island; Hatteras Island


Special Weather Statement issued April 22 at 3:32AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

Summary: The combination of low relative humidity values in the 20 to 30 percent range, dry fuels, and gusty southwest winds will result in an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires across much of northeast North Carolina during the day today. Residents are urged to exercise caution handling any potential ignition source, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches. Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any dry grasses and tree litter that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly. A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service is currently in effect. Open burning of any kind is illegal.
Severity:  Moderate    Effective:  April 22, 2026, 3:32 am      Expires:  April 22, 2026, 5:00 pm
Area:  Northampton; Hertford; Gates; Pasquotank; Camden; Western Currituck; Bertie; Chowan; Perquimans; Eastern Currituck


Special Weather Statement issued April 22 at 3:15AM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC

Summary: A combination of very dry air, with minimum relative humidity of 15 to 25 percent, and west southwesterly winds that will gust up to 30 mph, will increase the risk of wildfires and fire spread today. Dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly. Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers. Additionally, exercise caution if operating any equipment that could create sparks, and keep vehicles off of dry leaves and grass. A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service is currently in place. Open burning of any kind is illegal.
Severity:  Moderate    Effective:  April 22, 2026, 3:15 am      Expires:  April 22, 2026, 8:00 pm
Area:  Person; Granville; Vance; Warren; Halifax; Forsyth; Guilford; Alamance; Orange; Durham; Franklin; Nash; Edgecombe; Davidson; Randolph; Chatham; Wake; Johnston; Wilson; Stanly; Montgomery; Moore; Lee; Harnett; Wayne; Anson; Richmond; Scotland; Hoke; Cumberland; Sampson


Special Weather Statement issued April 22 at 3:13AM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA

Summary: The combination of low relative humidity in the 20 to 25 percent range, ongoing drought conditions, and gusty winds will continue to dry out fuels. This will result in an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires today. Any dry grass, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly. Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers. Additionally, exercise caution if operating any equipment that could create sparks, and keep vehicles off of dry leaves and grass. A statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service is currently in place. Open burning of any kind is illegal.
Severity:  Moderate    Effective:  April 22, 2026, 3:13 am      Expires:  April 22, 2026, 12:00 pm
Area:  Ashe; Alleghany; Surry; Stokes; Rockingham; Caswell; Watauga; Wilkes; Yadkin


Special Weather Statement issued April 22 at 2:13AM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC

Summary: Relative humidity is forecast to fall into the 20 to 25 percent range across much of western North Carolina this afternoon. Winds are expected to be somewhat elevated in the afternoon, with gusts between 15 and 20 mph. The low humidity combined with gusty winds and very dry vegetation will result in an elevated threat for the rapid spread of wildfires across the area. A statewide burn ban has been issued by the North Carolina Forest Service. Outdoor burning is prohibited.
Severity:  Moderate    Effective:  April 22, 2026, 2:13 am      Expires:  April 22, 2026, 2:00 pm
Area:  Avery; Alexander; Iredell; Davie; Madison; Yancey; Mitchell; Swain; Haywood; Buncombe; Catawba; Rowan; Graham; Northern Jackson; Macon; Southern Jackson; Transylvania; Henderson; Cleveland; Lincoln; Gaston; Mecklenburg; Cabarrus; Union; Caldwell Mountains; Greater Caldwell; Burke Mountains; Greater Burke; McDowell Mountains; Eastern McDowell; Rutherford Mountains; Greater Rutherford; Polk Mountains; Eastern Polk


Special Weather Statement issued April 21 at 2:23PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC

Summary: The combination of dry fuels, low relative humidity, and gusty winds will lead to increased fire danger on Wednesday. Relative humidity values will drop to 25 to 30 percent, accompanied by southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 20 mph.
Severity:  Moderate    Effective:  April 21, 2026, 2:23 pm      Expires:  April 22, 2026, 7:00 pm
Area:  Robeson; Bladen; Columbus; Inland Pender; Coastal Pender; Inland New Hanover; Coastal New Hanover; Inland Brunswick; Coastal Brunswick