Wednesday, September 2, 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 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.
There is a wind advisory for the lowlands of western Whatcom County through 8 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 Thursday will be for gusty winds on Wednesday although there will be the chance for thunderstorms at times. South-southeast winds look pretty gusty throughout the day Wednesday with winds up to 35-40 mph expected. A few rain showers are likely on Wednesday morning then steadier rain goes through during the afternoon and early evening hours. Thunderstorms will be possible with the showers/rain on Wednesday and any thunderstorms could produce lightning strikes and small hail. Rain ends early Wednesday evening then should be dry for a period before rain showers return late in the night. Occasional rain showers linger through Thursday with thunderstorms possible again.
Any lingering rain showers or thunderstorms taper off during the evening. A few rain showers return on Friday and then taper off on Friday evening. Thunderstorms will be possible again on Friday. A few rain showers are expected at times on Saturday and Sunday, mainly during the afternoon/evening hours. Thunderstorms will be possible again over the weekend. A few light rain showers are likely at times on Monday, Monday night, and Tuesday, but looks like there will likely be plenty of dry time in between the showers.
Coastal Weather
An anomalously strong low pressure system will slowly move through the waters this week. A cold front will move over the area today into tonight. The parent 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 southeast winds at 25-35 knots, easing to 15-20 knots late. Wind waves 3-4 feet. A slight chance of rain late this morning. A chance of rain with a slight chance or thunderstorms early this afternoon, then rain likely late. Moving into the evening, winds will be from the southeast at 15-20 knots. Wind waves 3-4 feet in the evening, then around 2 feet or less. A chance of showers. Tomorrow, winds will be from the southeast at 10-15 knots, easing to 5-10 knots in the afternoon. 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.
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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