Whatcom County Health Department sweating forecast of first sunny, 70-degree day
Whatcom County could see its first temperatures in the 70s later this week — a relatively late arrival for that spring benchmark.
Meanwhile, health officials are urging everyone to keep “social distancing,” especially as most state parks open Tuesday for day-use recreation.
“I did see the weather report, and there was part of me that was very excited about a 70-degree sunny day, and there was part of me that was very nervous about a 70-degree sunny day,” Whatcom County Health Director Erika Lautenbach said during a press briefing Monday, May 4.
Lautenbach said outside exercise is good for everyone’s mental and physical health, but they should remember the social-distancing guidance and try to stay 6 feet apart.
“Masking is not a bad idea, especially if you’re in a neighborhood where others could be walking on sidewalks, and keeping that distance, that 6 feet of distance,” she said.
At the National Weather Service in Seattle, meteorologist Jacob DeFlitch said that Whatcom County should see sunny skies with highs above 70 starting Friday.
It’s a late start for spring, according to weather records that show March or April for Whatcom’s first 70-degree days, DeFlitch said.
Last year, the first 70-plus day was April 19, with a high of 74 measured at Bellingham International Airport.
Bellingham’s earliest 70-degree day was 72 degrees on Feb. 3, 2012, he said.
