These Daily Briefings on Incidents, Advisories, Watches and Warnings, current weather and Emergency Management tips are published Monday through Friday, as well as during times of increased awareness or actual events.

The U.S. and Canada have extended an order closing their shared border to nonessential traffic until at least February 21, 2021. This includes both vehicular and boating between the countries.

The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning COVID-19 remains in effect. Information about Whatcom County’s response to COVID-19 is available at the Joint Information Center’s COVID-19 website.

Advisories, Watches and Warnings 

A “Gale Warning” continues in effect until February 12th at 11:00am for northeast winds 30-40 knots. Environment Canada has also issued a Gale Warning for the Strait of Georgia South of Nanaimo.

The National Weather Service has issued a “Freezing Spray Advisory” until 10:00am tomorrow morning.  This advisory is associated with the cold temperatures and gale force winds. Spray coming in contact with mechanical and electrical components can render them inoperative and ice accumulation on decks and superstructures can reduce stability.

A “Wind Advisory” is in effect until tomorrow morning at 10:0oam for northeast winds 30-40 mph with gusts to 55mph at times.

Environment Canada has issued an Arctic Outflow Warning for the Fraser Valley which is causing frigid temperatures and strong outflow winds.   

Weather Around Whatcom County

Whatcom County Inland Weather

After a mostly cloudy day today and tonight, Friday will bring us a chance of snow with the possibility of a little accumulation during the day, but Friday night and Saturday will bring us the greatest chance for that.  Generally, it appears 1-2 inches could fall on Friday night, with another 1-2 inches on Saturday. Bellingham could see a little more snow.  High temperatures today may reach 31 with lows tonight dropping to 20 degrees or below in the northern part of the county and the foothills.  Tomorrow’s high will be around 30 degrees with the low tomorrow night around 26; again subtract 5-10 degrees for the foothills and northern part of the county. Northeast winds will continue into tomorrow.  Some areas will see gusts near 55 mph; that will be mostly in the northern part of the county where steady winds over 30 mph are forecast. Wind chills will be near zero or even a little colder.  Also, visibility could be impacted by blowing snow. Tree groves or shelter belts can shield the wind and impact driving when entering or exiting shielded areas. There is a chance for light snow or a rain/snow mixture to continue into Sunday and Sunday night. The Fraser Valley Arctic outflow winds are pushing south into Whatcom County.

Rivers and Streams

All forks of the Nooksack River will continue to slowly drop in river level thanks to the colder temperatures and lack of precipitation over the next five to ten days.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County northeast winds 30-40 knots will ease to 25-35 knots this afternoon.  Wind waves continue in the 5-7 foot range. These winds will continue into this evening with wind waves dropping to 4-6 feet. Tomorrow, northeast winds continue but drop to 20-30 foot range in the afternoon. Small craft advisory strength winds are predicted to continue into Saturday.  Watch for more watches or warnings.

Tides

COVID-19

Everyone in Washington State is directed to wear a face covering while at any indoor public space and any outdoor public space where you may be within 6 feet of someone who does not live with you. You can find more info about face coverings and other protective actions here and here.

This briefing line is not updated on weekends unless an incident occurs.