Forget spring — Whatcom County leapt straight into summer Friday, with sunny skies and temperatures breaking 80 degrees in some places.
A week that began with 50-degree highs and steady rain ended at the other end of the spectrum. And the warm, sunny weather is expected to continue today.
The temperature at Bellingham International Airport peaked at 74 degrees Friday, and a National Weather Service station in Ferndale reported 76 degrees. Temperatures were even hotter away from the water — a weather station near Nugents Corner reported 86 degrees.
The warming temperatures mean melting of the winter snow pack in the mountains. The Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center has issued an avalanche warning that remains in effect today.
The snow melt combined with rainfall earlier in the week also translates to swollen rivers. By Friday afternoon the Nooksack River near Ferndale had risen nearly five feet and the speed of currents had doubled, according to the U.S. Geological Service.
Though forecasters don’t expect flooding, they’re reminding people to use caution if they swim in local lakes and rivers, which are faster and colder than many realize.
“There’s a lot of good news with the nice weather, but it’s just a matter of getting people to be aware of the dangers,” said Dennis D’Amico, a meteorologist for the weather service.
Earlier forecasts had called for record-setting high temperatures. Friday’s high fell four degrees short of the Bellingham record for May 16 — 78, set in 1985. Today’s record high is 81, set in 1956.
In the county, Brian Cieslar, a berry grower for Enfield and Curt Mayberry farms, said he hoped the hot weather would speed growth of the strawberry crop, which is about two weeks behind schedule. The weather was having an effect on the farm’s laborers, too.
“Earlier this week they were wearing sweatshirts and coats — now it’s shirts and sunscreen,” he said.
In Bellingham, the spray parks at Cornwall and Fairhaven parks opened Thursday — just in time for families to cool off their children. The spray parks will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day until Labor Day weekend.
D’Amico said the sunshine should last at least through the weekend, though a cold front with rain is expected early next week.
“The weekend should be fine weather,” he said. “Monday could go either way, and after that it’s not looking too good.”