Temperatures expected to spike soon in Whatcom County, with high 80s possible
“Juneuary” could be coming to an end as conditions for an extended heat wave and severe wildfire threat are lining up for Whatcom County and the rest of Western Washington later this week, National Weather Service forecasters are saying.
Meteorologists at the weather service’s Seattle office are seeing “a pattern shift toward dry and considerably warmer conditions” as a strong high-pressure system strengthens across the region.
“Confidence is increasing in the potential for significant heat late this week and especially early next week across much of Western Washington. Elevated fire weather conditions are possible late (in the) week with the significant warmup,” the weather service said Monday in an online briefing.
Temperatures are expected to begin rising Thursday as the mercury pushes in to the 70s, reaching a forecast high of 86 on Sunday for Bellingham. Some inland areas of Western Washington could see temperatures into the 90s.
Normal mid-June highs are in the upper 60s.
“Temps of this caliber will induce thermal troughing over the area, allowing for offshore flow to develop Saturday night into Sunday. This easterly flow importing more hot and dry air into the area. As this heat persists, heat risk becomes an increasing concern,” the weather service said Monday.
