As state heats up, Weather Service warns wildfire smoke headed to Whatcom County
Bellingham and Whatcom County residents could be seeing the first wildfire smoke of summer Monday night as most of Washington bakes in an extended heat wave.
A heat advisory in in effect through Wednesday night for Western Washington, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.
Highs in the upper 80s are expected in Bellingham with ‘moderate’ heat risk,” weather service meteorologists said in a statement. Warmer temperatures are expected farther south, along with increased “fire weather” conditions such as low humidity.
“Winds aloft on Tuesday will turn more north-northeast, which may bring Canadian wildfire smoke into Western Washington,” the weather service said online.
FireSmoke Canada computer models show high-level smoke reaching over Whatcom County in the early evening, which could create a colorful sunset.
Computer models are showing that smoke concentrations will be mostly overhead and not affect air quality near the ground.
Winds turn west Wednesday, keeping smoke away from Western Washington, the weather service said.
This story was originally published July 14, 2025 at 10:21 AM.
