Honestly, walking outside in Bellingham right now feels like a gift you didn't ask for but are definitely keeping. It's Saturday, January 17, and the sun is actually out. Usually, this time of year is just a series of grey filters over the bay, but today we’ve got a high of 49°F and literal blue skies.
Don't get too comfortable.
Looking at the Bellingham 14 day forecast, we are currently riding a high-pressure ridge that’s keeping things dry and crisp. If you've lived here for more than a minute, you know that a sunny January day often means a freezing January night. Tonight is no exception. We’re looking at a low of 32°F, so if you haven't wrapped those outdoor faucets yet, maybe do that before the sun goes down at 4:44 PM.
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The Week Ahead: A Slow Fade to Grey
Tomorrow, Sunday the 18th, is basically a carbon copy of today. Highs of 49°F, north winds keeping the air sharp, and plenty of Vitamin D. It’s perfect for a walk around Lake Padden, provided you’ve got a decent shell on.
Monday stays in that same lane. 48°F and sunny. It’s almost weirdly consistent for the Pacific Northwest.
But then, Tuesday rolls around. You’ll start to see the clouds creeping back in. We hit 51°F on the 20th, which is actually the warmest day in the current stretch, but it’s a "partly sunny" situation that’s clearly telegraphing a change in the atmosphere.
By Wednesday, the 21st, the party is mostly over. The sky turns mostly cloudy and the high drops to 46°F. We’re entering that classic "Bellingham grey" phase where the light just sort of... flattens.
When the Rain (and Maybe More) Returns
Thursday, January 22, is the pivot point. The wind shifts. We’ve been dealing with north winds for days, but on Thursday, they start coming out of the southeast at about 9 mph. That’s the classic herald of moisture. By nightfall, there’s a 40% chance of rain, and the humidity jumps up to nearly 80%.
Friday the 23rd is when it gets messy.
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We’re looking at a high of 43°F with rain during the day (65% chance), but keep an eye on Friday night. The temperature is predicted to crater to 31°F. When you combine lingering moisture with a freeze like that, you get the "S-word." There’s a 20% chance of snow overnight.
The Mid-Range Outlook (Jan 24 - Jan 30)
If you're planning travel through the passes or even just commuting along I-5, the weekend of the 24th looks tricky. Saturday stays cold with a high of only 38°F and another slight chance of snow.
By Monday, January 26, the maritime influence takes back over, but it’s bringing some muscle with it. We’re talking:
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- Winds kicking up to 26 mph from the southeast.
- A 75% chance of rain both day and night.
- Humidity peaking at 84%.
It’s going to be a "stay inside and drink coffee" kind of Monday. The rain continues through Tuesday the 27th with highs rebounding to 49°F.
What the Locals Know
Bellingham weather isn't just about the temperature; it's about the "Fraser Valley Outflow." When that cold air from the Canadian interior pushes down through the valley, it doesn't matter what the thermometer says—it’s going to feel ten degrees colder. We’re seeing some of those northeast winds (up to 16 mph) around the 24th, which usually means the wind chill will be the real story.
Historically, January in Bellingham averages about 4.84 inches of precipitation. We've been a bit dry lately, but the back half of this 14-day window looks like it’s trying to make up for lost time.
Actionable Prep for the Next 14 Days
The biggest mistake people make here is trusting a sunny morning. Layering is a literal survival skill. Start with a moisture-wicking base, because even at 45°F, you’ll sweat if you’re hiking the Chuckanuts.
- Check your tires now. If we do see that frozen mix on the 23rd or 25th, the side streets in areas like Lettered Streets or South Hill become ice rinks instantly.
- Clean your gutters. That heavy rain on the 26th will find every leaf you left behind in November.
- Sunscreen. Seriously. With the uv_index hitting 1 during these sunny days, the reflection off the water or lingering frost can still catch you off guard if you're out for hours.
The weather is shifting from a rare dry spell back into the standard wet-and-cold cycle. Enjoy the sun through Monday, but have the rain boots ready by Thursday night.
Stay dry. Keep the lights on. It's still winter in Whatcom County.
Next Steps:
- Monitor the wind speed for Monday the 26th, as gusts over 25 mph often lead to localized power flickers in the Columbia and Cornwall neighborhoods.
- Prepare for a significant drop in overnight temperatures starting Friday the 23rd to protect sensitive plants and pipes.