Tuesday, September 1, 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
Updated 9:35 am 9/1/26: There is a gale warning for the Northern Inland Waters of Whatcom County from 2 am through 11 pm 9/2/26. See here for more information.
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
The main concern through Wednesday will be for gusty winds on Wednesday although thunderstorms will also be possible on Wednesday. Looks dry through Tuesday and Tuesday evening then a few rain showers are expected at times overnight. South-southwest winds look breezy on Tuesday, but winds should remain under 25 mph. Steadier rain begins late morning Wednesday and continues off and on through the afternoon. Thunderstorms may be embedded within the rain on Wednesday afternoon. South-southeast winds look pretty gusty on Wednesday with winds up to 40 mph expected. Wind related damage will likely be higher than usual for gusts of that magnitude due to there being full foliage on trees.
South winds continue to be pretty gusty through most of Wednesday evening before decreasing. Rain breaks up early Wednesday evening then rain showers return late Wednesday night and continue through Thursday before tapering off during the evening. Thunderstorms will be possible again on Thursday, mainly during the afternoon. A few rain showers or thunderstorms will be possible again on Friday afternoon/evening then rain returns overnight and continues through Saturday morning. Rain tapers off on Saturday afternoon then looks dry on Saturday night. Rain showers are likely during the midday and afternoon hours on Sunday. Thunderstorms will also be possible on Sunday afternoon.
Coastal Weather
An anomalously strong low pressure system will slowly move through the waters this week. The warm front will move through Tuesday night, with the cold front following Wednesday night. The low will then move down the Washington coast by Thursday, but slowly weaken as it moves towards Oregon. Broad low pressure remains over the area through the weekend.
For the Strait and Inland Coastal waters of Whatcom County today we will have south winds at 5-10 knots, rising to 10-15 knots late. Wind waves around 2 feet or less. Moving into the evening, winds will be from the south at 5-10 knots, becoming southeast at 20-25 knots with gusts up to 35 knots after midnight. Wind waves around 2 feet or less. Tomorrow, winds will be from the southeast at 20-25 knots with gusts up to 35 knots. Wind waves 3-4 feet. A chance of rain in the morning, then rain likely in the afternoon. 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.
Preparedness Tips
National Emergency Preparedness Tips
Please visit our WhatcomReady Facebook page.
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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