These areas of Whatcom County have reached unhealthy air quality conditions
Intense heat and smoke have settled over Whatcom County, resulting in record-matching temperatures and service closures.
The temperature at Bellingham International Airport hit 99 degrees on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 12, matching the all-time record temperature set during June’s heat wave. The high temperature on Friday, Aug. 13, is expected to be near 87 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The forecast high on Saturday, Aug. 14, is 83 degrees.
Air quality reached unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups in Bellingham and very unhealthy conditions in the Kendall area as of 6 a.m. on Friday, according to the Northwest Clean Air Agency. Lynden’s air quality was good as of 6 a.m. on Friday.
“After skirting serious smoke impacts all summer, western Washington’s luck has finally run out,” wrote Andrew Wineke, communications director at the state Department of Ecology, in a Thursday post on Washington’s Smoke Information website.
Northwest winds are pushing smoke from British Columbia wildfires into Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties, he wrote. However, the smoke should begin to dissipate on Saturday and clear out on Sunday as a cold front comes into the region. Light showers may hit the area on Sunday night, Aug. 15, followed by cooler temperatures in the low to mid-70s early next week.
Clean air agencies have issued an air quality alert in Skagit, Island, Whatcom, Jefferson and Clallam Counties until 7 p.m. on Saturday, warning that smoke pollutants can cause burning in eyes and aggravate serious health problems. The agencies recommend staying at home when possible and limiting outdoor activities.
An excessive heat warning has been issued in western Whatcom County until 8 p.m. on Friday and a red flag warning has been issued until 7 p.m. on Friday for areas below 1,500 feet in elevation in the Northeast Puget Sound Lowlands, which includes Bellingham, according to the National Weather Service. A red flag warning indicates critical fire conditions that lend themselves to the quick spread of flames.
Both wildfire risk and extreme heat events are made more frequent and severe by human-caused climate change.
The COVID-19 testing site at Bellingham International Airport closed for the day on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 12, due to “high temperatures and poor air quality,” according to a news release by the Whatcom County Health Department. The Health Department asks anyone with COVID-19 symptoms to isolate at home.
Other providers are still offering testing services. These locations can be found at www.whatcomcounty.us/covidtesting.
Those planning on attending the Northwest Washington Fair on Friday or Saturday should take extra precautions due to the smoke, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office recommended in its Friday morning emergency management daily briefing.
Due to the smoke and poor air quality, the Sudden Valley Community Association Friday closed pools there until air quality improves, according to the association website.
Due to smoke, the city of Ferndale canceled a Thursday evening event at which community members would have been able to get hosed off by a fire truck and receive cold water bottles.
Community members should stay in air-conditioned indoor environments as much as possible, keep shades drawn, reduce oven and stove use, hydrate frequently and check on neighbors and loved ones before bedtime, according to a news release from the state Department of Health.
This story was originally published August 12, 2021 at 3:03 PM.
