After a record-breaking cold and wet spring, summer has finally arrived in Whatcom County, where residents are bracing for a 90-degree heatwave this week.
Temperatures could climb into the low 90s on Tuesday, and a heat advisory from the National Weather Service (NWS) will remain in effect from noon Tuesday until 10 p.m. Friday.
Bellingham residents will see the coolest local temperatures, hovering in the 80s, while residents in Lynden and Sumas should expect to see temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s.
“These hotter temperatures, you’ll find them away from the water,” NWS meteorologist Jacob DeFlitch said. “Generally, you’ll be looking for temperatures in the mid-80s in Bellingham, and the low 90s across the interior.”
Despite early forecasts, it’s unlikely that Whatcom County will see triple-digit temperatures this week.
Though the temperatures will be high, John Gargett, the deputy director of Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management (OEM), said the county likely won’t reach emergency levels.
“These temperatures do not really reach extreme heat temperatures,” he said. “Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia — those are going to be the real hotspots, but people should still be aware that it’s going to be warm.”
The real concern, he said, is that many commercial and residential spaces in the county lack air conditioning.
“We have a real limit in terms of locations in Whatcom County because almost no buildings in the county have ever had air conditioning in the past,” Gargett said.
Several air-conditioned spots will open their doors this week, providing a space to cool off during the hottest hours of the day. Several branches of the Whatcom County Library, as well as the Bellis Fair mall, will be open throughout the week.
Gargett said residents should expect it to feel about 10 degrees cooler along shorelines, too, so it’s “a great time to go to the beach!”
One major boon this summer, Gargett said, is cool overnight temperatures, which are expected to be in the mid-to-low 60s.
“When we had the extreme heat last year, it didn’t cool off at night,” he said. “It makes a huge difference.”
Last summer, Washington experienced a significant heatwave, and between June 26 and July 2, there were 100 heat-related deaths. Bellingham, too, saw record-setting temperatures, with a high of 99 degrees on June 28, 3 degrees hotter than the previous all-time record set in July 2009.
Heat-related illness and death can be a significant concern, and DeFlitch said locals should consume extra water to avoid dehydration.
“Any time we have these warm temperatures, we’re concerned about heat-related illness, especially for those who don’t have adequate access to cooling or hydration,” DeFlitch said.
Gargett agreed.
“We urge caution: Try not to go out and perform heavy activities during the day, meaning between 10 (a.m.) and 3 p.m.,” he said.
NWS shared additional tips on Twitter for staying cool without air conditioning, including leaving windows open at night, keeping blinds closed, fans running and cooking outdoors.
