(RALEIGH) -- A red flag warning against outdoor burning has been issued for North Carolina on Wednesday. National Weather Service meteorologist Brandon Dunston said the lack of rain is contributing to the problem.

"At the Raleigh-Durham International Airport so far this year we've had 5.16 inches of rain.  That's about 5.30 inches below normal.  At Greensboro we've had 5.73 inches for the year and that's about 3.68 inches below normal.  At Wilmington they're 2.87 inches below normal," said Dunston.

He added that many areas will get some rain Wednesday night as a cold front passes through the state. The red flag warning remains in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday.