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 March 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.

On March 11th, Governor Inslee announced all of Washington will advance to Phase 3 of the Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery Plan beginning March 22nd.  See the WA State Coronavirus Response website for impacts or any caveats.

Advisories, Watches and Warnings 

A “Gale Warning” is in effect until 3:00 pm this afternoon for southeast winds 25-35 knots.

A “Small Craft Advisory” is in effect from 3:00pm today until 2:00am Saturday for southeast winds 20-30 knots.

Environment Canada has issued a “Gale Warning” for today for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo for southeast winds 25-35 knots. The wind is forecast to start dropping late this afternoon..

Weather Around Whatcom County

Whatcom County Inland Weather

The chance for showers will continue today thru Saturday night when a greater chance for rain will develop for Sunday and Sunday night continuing into Monday.  High temperatures will continue to climb to near 50 degrees while the lows will drop into the upper 30s.  Wind today and tonight will be from the southeast and there will continue to be gusts near 25 mph.  Point Roberts will continue to see stronger wind as it is more exposed to the wind coming off the open water.  Saturday night there could be gusts out of the west near 25 mph and then on Sunday gusts could reach near 35mph from the southeast. The wind in Blaine will be a little weaker but there will still be 25 mph or so gusts. Maple Falls will not experience much wind.  Newhalem will also miss the stronger wind but there will be chance for rain/snow mixtures Saturday night through Monday as it will be about 5-10 degrees cooler there with lows dropping down to the freezing level at night.

Rivers and Streams

You will notice the Nooksack has risen just a little bit and it will likely increase another six to 12 inches.  Next week Wednesday going into Thursday looks like it will jump up a foot or so in a 12-24 hour period which is indicative of another weather system moving in.  Once again, there will not be enough moisture to cause any flooding concerns but there could be some heavier rain and gusty winds associated with it. Stay alert for water over the road and water pooling which could cause hydroplaning.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County, strong 25-35 knots southeast wind today will produce four to six-foot wind waves. The wind will drop back to 20-30 and then 15-25 knots tonight still form the southeast.  Tomorrow south wind at 10-20 knots will switch to the west and increase to 15-25 knots.  For Sunday 15-25 knot wind from the south will likely cause another “Small Craft Advisory” to be issued. Sty tuned to marine weather for those changes which could come with little 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.