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.

Environment Canada has issued a "Strong Wind Warning" that is in effect at this time.  Wind light except northeast 10-15 knots near the mouth of Howe Sound early this morning.  Wind becoming southeast 10-15 knots after midnight then increasing to southeast 15-25 knots Saturday afternoon.

Inland Weather

Throughout the day we will see decreasing clouds for awhile and then as we move into this evening a reversal will occur-more clouds coming to the area. Temperatures today will reach right at 60 degrees or come close to it in the lower parts of the county but in the higher elevations, it will be a little cooler.  Tonight's lows will drop into the low 40s and upper 30s.  There could be some mid 30s ni the southern part of the county. Tomorrow and tomorrow night we can expect rain with breezy conditions spreading form the north to the south.  Winds will be predominantly from the south but may favor the west or east depending on where you are in the county.  Point Robert will see the higher gusts in the mid 20mph range tomorrow and then upwards of 35 mph or so in the evening.  Other areas of western Whatcom County could see gusts in the low to mid 20mph range.  Interior parts of the county will have much less wind affecting them but direction will be variable.  There is likely to be some snow falling in the higher elevations as well and some of the passes could see an inch or two; another sign of the season.  The last 2.7 miles of SR-542 has been closed to vehicle traffic for the season due to snow.  The extended forecast shows that showers will continue through the weekend and into Monday, then a brief reprieve before another system enters the area bringing more showers.

Rivers and Streams

Things remain pretty much the same as yesterday's outlook; the Nooksack will rise a foot or so at the Saxon Bridge and Cedarville gauges with Ferndale slightly more.  All of the increased levels are well below the banks so no chance of flooding except for small streams which could overflow their banks due to blockage or sudden downpour.  If encountering such a situation, turn around and find an alternate route.  Loss of 10 minutes of time is a much better option than attempting to cross a stream and becoming stranded, or worse.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

 A weal front will approach the coast today before weakening.  A stronger system will affect the region Saturday into Sunday, bringing with stronger winds and higher seas.  Another front is possible towards mid-week.  Winds.  Today:  SE wind to 10 knots becoming ligh.  Wind waves 1' or less.  A slight chance of rain in the morning.  Tonight:  SW wind to 10 knots becoming S after midnight.  Wind waves 1' or less.  Tomorrow:  SE wind to 10-20 knots.  Wind waves 1-3'.  A slight chance of rain in the morning then a chance of rain in the afternoon.  Tomorrow Night:  S wind 20-30 knots.  Wind waves 3-5'.  Sunday:  W wind 15-25 knots.  Wind waves 2-4'.  Sunday Night:    W wind 15-25 knots easing to 10-20 knots after midnight.  Wind waves 2-4' subsiding to 1-3' after midnight.    While there are no advisories, watches or warnings at this time, winds of 15-25 knots knots usually result in at least an advisory and if 35 knots or stronger a warning of some type.  Monitor marine weather for changes as they could be posted with little of no notice..

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.