Hot summer weather is returning to Whatcom and Skagit counties, where temperatures are expected to hit the 80s this weekend and an “excessive heat watch,” issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), is in place beginning Saturday afternoon, May 13.
The heat watch, issued May 10, will remain in place for the region until Monday afternoon, May 15, when temperatures are expected to be between the mid-80s and low-90s.
“Heat will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses for those who are sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling or adequate hydration,” the NWS office in Seattle wrote in a statement. “Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
The high temperatures are abnormal for this time of year, and Bellingham could see its earliest 90-degree day since 1949, when the NWS began keeping local records, the organization said. The previous record was set May 28 in 1983, when temperatures peaked at 90 degrees.
Weekend temperates are expected to be the “hottest temperatures thus far in 2023,” rivaling mid-summer temperatures, NWS said Thursday.
Though the air temperature is rising, water temperatures are not, NWS warned. As the air temperatures rise, snowmelt from the North Cascades increases, meaning local bodies of water like the Nooksack River will be running faster and colder than in late summer. NWS urged residents to be careful of hypothermia and “cold shock,” which can happen when people jump into cold water.
In addition to rising temperatures, NWS said thunderstorms may hit the region next week. Those storms could produce lightning — rare in Western Washington — as well as high winds, hail and heavy rain.
At this point, the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County do not have plans to open cooling centers, often open during summer heat waves.
“We’re monitoring the weather, but at this point, we’re looking at a high of 80 degrees,” said Liz Coogan, the emergency manager at the Bellingham Fire Department. “At this point in time, the forecast doesn’t warrant [emergency services],” though Coogan said the department is keeping a close eye on the forecast, and will adjust plans as needed.
Historically, cooling centers have opened around Whatcom County when temperatures hit 90 for prolonged periods of time.
The Whatcom County Health and Community Services department said it does not provide cooling centers, but does provide support for other local agencies that do.
“Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) supports our partner agencies who provide shelter with the equipment and supplies necessary to keep shelter guests safe during heat waves, and does not provide direct cooling facility services. We’ve made significant efforts over the last few years to equip our partners with equipment and supplies like air conditioners, fans, ice machines, and a misting station, which are a few examples of the supports we have provided,” the department said. “We also provide information about recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as ways to stay safe during hot weather on our social media accounts and to our partner agencies.”
