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 “Small Craft Advisory is in effect until 10:00 today for northwest winds 15-25 knots.

A “Gale Watch” is in effect from late tonight until tomorrow afternoon for southeast winds 25-35 knots.

Weather Around Whatcom County

Whatcom County Inland Weather

The good news is that we are going to see some sun today with lighter winds and temperatures reaching the low to mid-40s with lows tonight around 30 degrees.  The bad news is we will be entering a wet, rainy pattern with the potential for rain/snow mixtures from time to time beginning Thursday.  Winds are forecast to be on the lighter side but along the coastline there could be some stronger gusts; Point Robert could see gust to 28 mph tomorrow. Temperatures tomorrow will again reach the low to mid-40s with lows staying a little warmer – mid to upper 30s.  Look for snow in Newhalem Thursday thru Saturday with some moderate accumulations in the range of several inches on the low side to more than 12 inches on the high side over the three-day period (Thursday night will see the heaviest snowfall). While rain is expected in the lower areas of the county, the transition to a rain/snow or all snow line will occur randomly with just a degree or two difference. Slush can form on the roads or become snow-packed and then there’s the thaw, freeze, thaw that goes with temperature changes. Don’t be caught off-guard in these conditions; slow down.

Rivers and Streams

With the rain moving in on Thursday and continuing into next week, all forks of the Nooksack River will rise substantially over current levels.  At this time, they are predicted to remain below flood level, but expect a rapid rise in river level beginning Monday and lasting into Tuesday, before starting to drop.    

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County 15-25 knot northwest winds will turn to the east and drop to 5-15 knots. Tonight, winds will switch to the southeast then east and increase to 15-25 knots and then 25-35 knots by tomorrow. Wind waves will be between 2-4 and then 4-6 feet with the higher winds. Expect “Small Craft Advisory” winds to continue into Friday sometime.  Monitor marine weather for alert notifications which can change with little or no notice.

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.