Whatcom now in line for temps ‘just’ in the 90s, but here’s how long it might last
Bellingham and Whatcom County residents will be facing the warmest temperatures of the year next week as high pressure builds over Western Washington, threatening to push thermometers into record territory.
Daytime highs in the upper 80s and higher are forecast for Western Washington starting Monday, July 25, as the National Weather Service warns of a possible extended heat wave.
“Above-normal temperatures and dry conditions are on tap for the long-term period as confidence continues to increase that a strong upper-level ridge will set up across the West Coast and build into the Pacific Northwest next week,” the National Weather Service said online.
Temperatures could reach into the 90s for several days next week, starting Tuesday, July 26.
Western Washington residents won’t get much relief in the form of a cool evening breeze, either.
“Overnight lows will also remain rather warm during this period of hot temperatures, with many urban locations likely only cooling into the mid-60s during the overnight hours. Should this trend continue, we will likely need to keep heat headlines in mind for next week,” the weather service said.
A precise forecast still isn’t possible, but meteorologists said there’s about a 10% chance of daytime highs above 90 degrees from Tuesday until Thursday, July 28.
“Confidence continues to increase that Western Washington will see an extended stretch of very warm conditions next week. These temperatures could post a significant risk of heat-related illness, especially for those more vulnerable to heat,” the weather service said.
Normal daytime highs are in the low 70s for Bellingham this time of year, with overnight lows in the mid-50s.
July’s average high is 73 degrees, and historical temperature records for next week are in the high 80s and low 90s — raising the possibility of a record-breaking heat wave.
