We have had a few days to prepare what is forecast to be a significant change in Ferndale area weather starting tomorrow, Sunday, September 17, as colder and wet weather systems move into the area.
Neighbors are likely to be frantically out trying to get yards mowed, gardens cleaned out, outdoor furniture put away, wrap-up outdoor projects and other pre-rain rituals.
Forecasters say to expect clouds to move in today but the rain will begin in earnest Sunday afternoon. Computer models for the western Whatcom County area vary but the median estimate is for a quarter-inch of rainfall in only about 9 hours Sunday.
Computer model median estimates for rainfall over the next few days is as follows:
Click for more information
Click for more information| Day | 24-hour rainfall totals (median/min/max) |
| Sunday | 0.24″ / 0.16″ / 0.38″ |
| Monday | 0.27″ / 0.05″ / 0.78″ |
| Tuesday | 0.35″ / 0.01″ / 0.74″ |
| Wednesday | 0.26″ / 0.00″ / 0.66″ |
Heaviest rains are expected when the rains arrive Sunday afternoon and then again as they begin departing Tuesday evening according to weather forecast computer models.
Winds, while expected to become gusty at times while these systems move through the area, are currently not expected to reach speeds that would warrant an advisory.
Drivers should be alert for the possibility of surface water flooding in low-lying areas.
It should be noted this is the first precipitation in months and the 2nd Stage burn ban ordered at the end of July by the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office remains in effect.