CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW) – The National Weather Service issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook Tuesday morning for portions of northern and central Virginia, eastern West Virginia, and central and western Maryland.

According to the 8:30 a.m. advisory, there is an elevated risk for the rapid spread of wildfires through early evening across the region. The affected areas include Albemarle, Greene, Madison, Orange, Nelson, and Culpeper counties, along with parts of the Blue Ridge. The outlook also warns of isolated severe thunderstorms on Sunday, which could bring damaging wind gusts. The alert is in effect through at least Monday.

The National Weather Service says residents should monitor local forecasts and prepare for changing conditions over the weekend.