Friday, August 7, 2026 Emergency Management Daily Briefing for Whatcom County
Whatcom County Hazard Mitigation Plan update survey
We will be keeping the Hazard Mitigation Plan survey up indefinitely, but only including comments made by July 1 for this update. The public is encouraged to provide input and feedback through the survey.
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 activities at this time. More information can be gotten through the North Cascades National Park Service.
Advisories, Watches and Warnings
Heat Advisory in effect from 8:00am Wednesday to 10:00pm Friday. See here for more information.
DNR fire danger level for the lowlands is at High, with the Cascades at Moderate to 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 does not have Whatcom County in a drought. See here for more information.
Whatcom County Inland Weather
Dry weather will continue through the forecast period, with improving air quality on the horizon as well. Temperatures will be cooling slightly day to day, though still remaining warm with highs in the mid/upper 70s on Saturday afternoon. Wind concerns will continue to remain rather unremarkable as well, although could have a few gusts nearing 20 mph Saturday afternoon. Additionally, reduced air quality continues to linger a bit longer than previously anticipated. Air quality ranging from moderate (W county) to unhealthy for sensitive groups (E county) may remain in place through Friday morning, with much healthier AQI values anticipated by Friday afternoon and beyond.
Dry weather looks to continue through this weekend and into next week with no major concerns posted as onshore flow keeps air quality much cleaner. At this time, no significant precipitation is seen through next week, with showers potentially remaining confined to higher elevations next Thursday/Friday. Temperatures will trend a few degrees cooler on Sunday, then remaining fairly consistent through the upcoming week, give or take a few degrees. No major wind concerns are noted through the extended outlook as well, with modest afternoon breezes climbing up to 15-20 mph each day.
Coastal Weather
High pressure over the waters will continue to strengthen tonight and will remain in place through the majority of next week. Increasing onshore flow will lead to strong westerlies through the Strait of Juan de Fuca each evening starting Friday. Steep seas for coastal waters this weekend. Fog will likely be present over portions of the water for the next couple of mornings.
For the Strait and Inland Coastal waters of Whatcom County today we will have south winds around 5 knots. Wind waves around 2 feet or less. Moving into the evening, winds will be from the south around 5 knots. Wind waves around 2 feet or less. Tomorrow, winds will be from the southwest around 5 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 fair to moderate across 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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