The winds of Wednesday will continue today, leading to a critical fire weather danger this afternoon.
The National Weather Service has issued a special message warning people about gusty winds and a dry air mass that will drop humidity to 10 to 20 percent this afternoon. With dry debris from last week’s storm, the potential is for any fire to grow quickly out of control.
The red flag warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Winds will be from the northwest at 10 to 15 mph and gusts up to 25 mph.
The danger of wildfires will continue into Friday and another warning may be issued.
And if fire isn’t enough to scare you, there are snowflakes in the forecast for Sunday night and Monday.
Bur first, today will be a chilly one, with the high winds and a high temperature of around 47 degrees. Tonight will again be cold, with a low around 28.
Friday should be sunny, with a high near 63 and winds 11 to 16 mph, gusting as high as 21 mph. Friday night will not be as cold, with a low around 39.
Saturday will be mostly cloudy, but warmer, with a high of 69. A 30 percent chance of rain comes into play early Sunday morning, with a low of 44. The chance increases to 50 percent during the day Sunday with a high of 56.
Then, here comes winter again, with a 50 percent chance of rain and snow Sunday night and a low of 35.
Look for another 50 percent chance or rain and snow Monday, with a high near 46. Monday night, rain chances continue, with a low around 30.
Tuesday and Wednesday will be mostly sunny with highs in the upper 50s and low 60s.
Yesterday’s weather continues to cause problems in the mountains of North Carolina, closing schools in two counties and delaying classes in other areas.
The National Weather Service has a winter weather advisory in effect until 9 a.m. in seven counties. Forecasters say up to 3 inches of snow is possible in Avery, Graham, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Swain and Yancey counties. Forecasters also said a bit of snow is still possible in Ashe, Allegheny and Watauga counties. Schools are closed in Avery and Watauga counties.
Duke Energy reports more than 10,000 customers without service as high winds are reported across much of the state. The biggest problems are in Swain and Forsyth counties.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.