Thursday, August 27, 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 Ptarmigan Fire. 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 and increasing cloud cover will be seen going into the morning hours on Thursday with an increasing southerly wind across the region. Winds expected to reach gusts up to 20-25mph by the late morning with gusts reaching stray gusts up to 30mph at times by the afternoon for the higher hills. Along with the winds from the cold front, light rain showers will pass through the area as well creating wet conditions for the roadways at times however the strongest showers will remain east into the mountains. After showery weather and winds subside into the evening hours low overcast skies will fill into the region. This will aid to light rain/drizzle and pockets of mist through Friday morning as overcast skies remain socked into the region. Clouds expected to break apart into the afternoon with conditions likely remaining dry into the afternoon hours.
A persistent low pressure center will continue to dominate over the region into the start of the weekend aiding to light rain/drizzle being likely with embedded rain showers most hours, especially during the afternoons. Conditions will begin to stabilize going into the daytime hours on Sunday with drier weather continuing through Monday and Monday night. As the next week progresses there now appears to be a resurgence in the threat for a stronger atmospheric river event. This will aid to moderate/heavy rain lasting from Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening. Potentially for flood concerns will be high as there will be potential for up to 2-3"+ of rain will be seen over a two day period on top of the mountains. Still quite a bit of uncertainty on timings and total accumulations as guidance has been very inconsistent over the past few days but something to keep in mind going into the start of September.
Coastal Weather
A weak frontal system will move across the waters today. Onshore flow then continues late week into next weekend with additional weak systems that cross over the waters.
For the Strait and Inland Coastal waters of Whatcom County today we will have southeast at 5-10 knots, becoming south at 10-15 knots late this morning and early afternoon, then becoming southwest at 5-10 knots late. Wind waves around 2 feet or less. A slight chance of showers late this morning. A slight chance of thunderstorms early this afternoon, then a slight chance of showers late. Moving into the evening, winds will be from the southwest at 5-10 knots. Wind waves around 2 feet or less. Tomorrow, winds will be from the south 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 this morning. 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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