Thursday, August 20, 2026 Emergency Management Daily Briefing for Whatcom County
Active Incidents
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management (DEM) Emergency Operations Center is not activated. Make sure you are signed up for alerts, see WhatcomReady to sign up.
We are aware of the fires in the far east part of the county around Ross Lake, but have no involvement in response activities. We are in contact with the incident management teams on the Luna and Ptarmigan Fires. More information can be gotten through the North Cascades National Park Service.
Advisories, Watches and Warnings
There currently are no advisories, watches or warnings in Whatcom County.
DNR fire danger level for the lowlands is at Very High, with the Cascades at Very High . See here for more information.
Whatcom County Outdoor Burning: As of 0800 July 17, a Stage 2 burn ban will to into place until further notice. All open burning is prohibited.
WA Dept. of Ecology has declared a drought as of April 8, 2026 that includes Whatcom County. See here for more information. The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates most of Whatcom County is abnormally dry, with far east parts in moderate drought. See here for more information.
Whatcom County Inland Weather
Dry weather expected to continue through the forecast period with no significant concerns expected at this time. The remnants of the marine layer will be possible going into Thursday morning with low clouds breaking apart as the morning progresses with clear, sunny skies expected through the rest of Thursday afternoon. Light winds continue into the overnight hours on Thursday into Friday morning aiding to quite the strong inversion developing, expect to see a bit cooler temperatures in the lower valley routes. Dry weather continues into the day on Friday with temperatures remaining elevated into the afternoon hours.
A pattern shift will begin to develop as we head into the late afternoon to early evening hours on Friday as a disturbance moves out of the south. A threat for a couple developing rain showers/thunderstorms will be possible through midnight before drying out. Dry conditions will only be brief as the main frontal boundary arrives into the morning hours on Saturday. Expect to see frequent rain showers and thunderstorms developing by the late morning and lasting through the rest of Saturday with brief heavy downpours, lightning strikes and breezy outflow winds being possible at times.
Showery weather will be decreasing into Saturday evening but will continue at times through the rest of the weekend before drying out into Sunday evening. Dry weather will then resume going into the start of the next work week. However a weak shortwave trough looks to be possible Tuesday afternoon aiding at a couple rain showers/storms. Looking farther ahead the next stint of much more active and wet weather looks to be the start of September, however a lot of uncertainty expected at this time.
Coastal Weather
Broad high pressure over the waters will weaken Friday. A weak surface low will move into the coastal waters Saturday with the associated front moving through the inland waters Saturday morning. The low will dissipate Saturday night. High pressure will rebuild Sunday and remain over the area through Monday.
For the Strait and Inland Coastal waters of Whatcom County today we will have northwest winds at 5-10 knots, backing to west late. Wind waves around 2 feet or less. Moving into the evening, winds will be from the west at 5-10 knots, veering to north after midnight. Wind waves around 2 feet or less. Tomorrow, winds will be from the northwest at 5-10 knots. Wind waves around 2 feet or less. For look at real time coastal weather and tides you can link here to the Cherry Point NOAA Tide Station.
Air Quality
Air quality is good throughout the county. Visit the Whatcom County Health and Community Services Wildfire Smoke for up-to-date information and air quality.
Emergency Management Tips and Reminders
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Activities
CERT classes are ongoing. See here to sign up for a class and more information.
Events we are participating in
| Date | Time | Location | Event Name |
Sponsor |
| May 2 | 11 am-2 pm | Peaceful Valley Clubhouse, 8335 Kendall Rd., Kendall | Community Wildfire Preparedness Day | Whatcom Conservation District |
| May 24 | 12 noon | Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham | Whatcom Memorial Day Parade | Whatcom Memorial Day Parade |
| June 6 | 10 am-1 pm | Barkley Village, 2900 Woburn St., Bellingham | Family Safety Fair | Barkley Village and South Whatcom Fire Authority |
| June 28 | 10 am- 2 pm | Lummi Island Fire Station 38 | WCFD 11 Open House/Safety Fair | Lummi Island Fire Dept |
| July 12 | 11 am-1 pm | Downtown Bellingham-starts at Halleck St | Bellingham Pride Parade |
|
Preparedness Tips
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 through Friday unless an update is required for an incident or event over a weekend or holiday.
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