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Sharp temperature spike could give Bellingham its first 80-degree day

Hundreds pack the waters of Lake Whatcom to combat the record heat at Bloedel Donovan Park on Sunday afternoon June 27, 2021, in Bellingham, Wash.
Hundreds pack the waters of Lake Whatcom to combat the record heat at Bloedel Donovan Park on Sunday afternoon June 27, 2021, in Bellingham, Wash. For The Bellingham Herald
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  • Bellingham could reach 82 degrees Wednesday during a brief heat wave.
  • Interior Western Washington faces season-high temperatures in the 80s to 90s.
  • Despite heat, local lakes and waterways remain dangerously cold for recreation.

Whatcom County could see its first 80-degree temperatures Wednesday under a brief heat wave.

Most of Western Washington will be under minor to moderate heat risk, the National Weather Service said in a statement. A high of 82 is forecast for Bellingham, with warmer temperatures expected for inland areas.

“Temperatures on Wednesday will be the warmest of the season so far for interior areas, with highs in the 80s mainly Puget Sound eastwards. A few low 90s are possible as well in the Cascade valleys,” Seattle meteorologist Jacob DeFlitch said in the online forecast discussion.

Bellingham hit 70 degrees for the first time this year on May 6.

Highs for late May are typically in the mid-60s.

Despite the warmer days, Western Washington lakes, ponds and streams remain dangerously cold, DeFlitch said.

“In addition, the water remains rather cool, so continue to be mindful if heading out on the water,” he said.

This story was originally published May 27, 2025 at 10:26 AM.

Robert Mittendorf
The Bellingham Herald
Robert Mittendorf covers civic issues, weather, traffic and how people are coping with the high cost of housing for The Bellingham Herald. A journalist since 1984, he also served 22 years as a volunteer firefighter for South Whatcom Fire Authority before retiring in 2025.
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