Active Incidents

There are no active incidents currently in Whatcom County.

Advisories, Watches and Warnings

July 24 a drought emergency was declared by WA State Dept of Ecology for Whatcom County.

Whatcom County Fire Marshal has initiated a Stage 1 Burn Ban effective 0800 Friday, June 9. See here for more information.

A subject of note here is the Mt Baker Hwy closure which is affecting a large area of the county. Please visit the Whatcom County Public Works Road Closures and Restrictions page for more information.

Weather Around Whatcom County

Whatcom County Inland Weather

Conditions will be continuing to remain dry through the period with no significant weather concerns expected. The morning hours on Tuesday any clouds are expected to clear out mid morning. Mild conditions will then be expected through the rest of the day on Tuesday and throughout the day on Wednesday. Temperatures expected to be similar both days likely into the low 80s in spots, with winds remaining under 20mph.

Conditions expected to be remaining in a similar pattern through the rest of the work week and into the weekend with no significant concerns. The main concern going that will be seen is temperatures warming back up through the rest of the week with warmest temperatures through the weekend. Expect to see temperatures back up into the mid in spots.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County today the wind will come from the southeast at 5-15 knots becoming southwest in the afternoon. Wind waves 2 feet or less. Moving into the evening, winds will come from the south at 10-20 knots. Wind waves 1-3 feet. Tomorrow winds come from the southwest at up to 10 knots. Wind waves will be 1 foot or less. For a look at real-time coastal weather and tides you can link here to the Cherry Point NOAA Tide Station.

Air Quality

Visit the Whatcom County Health Department's Wildfire Smoke for up-to-date information and air quality.

Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

CERT Activities

Come see the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and City of Bellingham Office of Emergency Management table at Civic Field during Kid's Fest August 5 from 11 am-3 pm. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Summer Water Safety Tips

Washington waters are often cold enough to cause muscles to not work. Even when the outside temperatures are high, water temperatures can be cold enough to overwhelm even the strongest swimmer.

If you plan to be in or near water this summer, follow these recommendations:

Learn to swim, including water safety and survival skills — To enjoy the water safely, learn swim strokes, water safety, survival skills, and becoming comfortable in the water.

Wear a life jacket — Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket when boating, tubing, rafting, swimming or other activities in or on lakes, rivers, salt water, or pools without a lifeguard. Life jacket information for children and teens.

Swim where there is a lifeguard — Swim in areas with lifeguards when possible. Wear a life jacket while swimming in unguarded waters or until the guards start their service.

Supervise children in or near water — Always provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water. Stay within touching distance of young children at all times.

Do not use alcohol or drugs during water activities — Never use alcohol or other impairing drugs during water and boating activities or while supervising children around the water. Alcohol affects balance, coordination, and judgement. Exposure to sun and heat worsen these effects.

Know what to do in an emergency — Learn first aid and CPR. Seconds count—the more quickly lifesaving CPR is started, the better the chances of recovery. Bring a cell phone or know where to find the nearest phone. Dial 911 in an emergency. Learn safe ways to rescue others without putting yourself in danger (reach for them, throw something to them, don’t go into the water after them). If you are in trouble: flip, float, relax (like a starfish).

The Emergency Management Daily Briefing is produced Monday - Friday unless an update is required for an incident or event over a weekend or during holidays.