COVID-19 - The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning COVID-19 remains in effect. The U.S. and Canada have extended an order closing their shared border to nonessential traffic until at least June 21, 2021

Whatcom County Weather

Inland Weather

Active and wetter weather returns for Monday although conditions improve a bit Tuesday afternoon. Periods of light rain develop the second half of the night over Whatcom County, decreasing in the lowlands early to mid morning. Expect very spotty showers to persist the rest of the day and Monday evening in the lowlands while showers remain more numerous over the Cascade/foothills. Another pulse of shower activity arrives the second half of Monday night from the south. These'll be around to start Tuesday however lingering activity decreases and shifts to the foothills and Cascades 9-11am, leaving the lowlands dry the remainder of the day. Skies clear a bit during the afternoon as well.  Temperatures will top out near 60 degrees today; most of us should expect upper 50s.  Tonight's lows will be in the low 50s so not much of a drop.  Winds will be from the south/southwest today in the 5-15 mph range. 

Wednesday is likely the driest day we'll have this week as the region sits in a lull between weather disturbances. Unfortunately a slightly stronger weather system bears down on the region late Wednesday night into Thursday morning bringing a period of steadier rain that breaks to showers Thursday afternoon. Scattered showers linger Thursday night and Friday. If there's any silver lining, guidance is intent on drying us out for Saturday and keeps Memorial Day weekend dry

Rivers and Streams

Flows within the rivers and streams of Whatcom County are normal with no likelihood of flooding. Do expect the river to come up just a little over the next week or so with the rain in the forecast.  That does not impact any flooding but if you're on or near the river, be prepared for a quicker flow and a little higher river level.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Onshore flow will continue tonight, before a weak frontal system moves through the area on Monday.  Moderate onshore flow will return by midweek ahead of yet another system poised to arrive closer to Thursday.  Winds:  Today:  S wind 5-15 knots.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Rain Likely.  Tonight:  S wind to 10 knots becoming @5-15 knots after midnight.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Rain likely in the evening then a chance of showers after midnight.  Tomorrow:  SW wind to 10 knots becoming S 5-15 knots in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Showers likely.      

Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

May is Volcano Preparedness Month

May is Volcano Preparedness Month in Washington, providing residents an opportunity to become more familiar with our own Mount Baker, and the volcanic risk to our communities.

How can you prepare for a volcanic eruption?

The active Cascade volcanoes, including our own Mount Baker, that make our state so beautiful could erupt sometime in the future. How can you prepare for a volcanic eruption? How will you react if one of Washington’s volcanoes erupts?

Volcano preparedness month is a time to inform yourself about volcanic hazards and to plan to keep you and your family safe in case of a volcanic eruption or lahar (volcanic mudflow). To learn about lahars, how to stay safe from ashfall, and how to get information in case of an eruption you can download our Disaster Preparedness Guide. (https://mil.wa.gov/asset/5ba4202c2b79d) In addition to volcanic hazards, this Guide will help you prepare your home for other potential risks we face here in Whatcom County.

Be ready for the next volcanic event.

There will be some indication that a volcano may erupt, but the time between the earliest indications of unrest and eruptive activity might be short, from days to weeks or months. The United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program and its monitoring partners work to detect the earliest signals of volcanic unrest to forewarn communities at-risk and provide time for officials to activate emergency response plans and mitigation measures that can save lives and protect property. Because eruptions typically go through episodic cycles of increased activity and relative quiet after they begin, Volcano Hazards Program scientists monitor volcanic behavior very closely to determine when it is safe to declare an eruption is over. In some cases, like in Hawaii, eruptions can continue for several tens of years

 You can also contact the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management at 360.676.6681 for additional information.

COVID-19

Washington State residents are 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 on the Whatcom County Health Department Website.

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.