COVID-19 - The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning COVID-19 remains in effect. 

The U.S. has extended an order closing the shared border to nonessential traffic until at least October 21, 2021.  Canada allows fully vaccinated Americans to visit Canada however, there are several additional requirements you need to be aware of.  See Canada Border Services Agency for additional requirements:  https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/gbi-rgf-eng.html.

No advisories, watches, or warnings for today!

Inland Weather

We will be under mostly sunny skies today with lighter winds and temperatures that will range in the mid to upper 50s for most locations.  Newhalem will be the exception where temperatures will stay in the lower 50s.  Tonight will see upper 30s in the foothills to the mid-40s in other locations; winds will again be light.  Tomorrow winds will continue to be subdued but we will be partly to mostly cloudy with Newhalem having mostly sunny skies yet.  Temperatures will be almost identical to todays.  On Friday night more clouds will pour into the area and rain or a chance for rain will spread from north to the rest of the county by Saturday.  Rain is expected to continue through Monday as things appear now and the high temperatures will be a few degrees cooler.  As the front moves into the area, expect there to be some breeze associated with its passing.  There are no advisories, watches or warnings, but a front usually contains some wind.

Rivers and Streams

As mentioned before, the ground is becoming saturated (after a long dry summer, that's a good thing) and any rain will cause some drainage into the rivers and streams.  The rain this weekend is no exception and we will see a little bump on Sunday into Monday.  At this time it's not a heavy rain so it will have a chance to soak into the ground.  So, for situational awareness, there will be a slight increase in flow and height.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

 A weak front will approach the coast on Friday helping elevate winds somewhat over area waters- with little or no impact.  A stronger system will affect the region Saturday into Sunday, bringing breezy winds, rain, and higher seas.  Winds.  Today:  NE wind to 10 knots becoming S in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1' or less.  Tonight:  W wind to 10 knots in the evening becoming light.  Wind waves 1' or less.  Tomorrow:   Light wind.  SE wind to 10 knots in the morning becoming light.  Wind waves 1' or less in the morning becoming less than 1'. Tomorrow Night:  SE wind to 10 knots rising to 5-15 knots after midnight.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Wind waves less than 1'.  While there are not advisories, watches or warnings for the front moving through on Saturday, the NWS has already stated breezy winds and higher seas which would be an indicator, a message is likely to be forthcoming.  Monitor marine weather for updates.

Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

It is National Preparedness Month and now is the time to Build a Kit...

After an emergency, you may need to rely on yourself and your household or community for several days. It’s important to have supplies set aside and ready to use, including water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid kit, copies of important paperwork, and additional items.

When building a kit, make sure to have one wherever you spend much of the time (e.g. home, work, car). Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have, such as medications or medical equipment, in case you have to evacuate quickly. 

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

A basic emergency supplies kit could include the following items:

Visit Ready.gov for a complete list of recommended emergency supplies.

COVID-19

Information concerning face coverings and other protective actions can be found 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.