Cloudy and dry today, rain is expected Friday afternoon

Bend, OR (KTVZ) -

Today is what we consider the “set up” day, or a transition day. Moisture is increasing and the atmosphere is getting ready before the next event. It will be cloudy today but it will be dry. Highs will be in the mid and upper 60s.

A large upper level low, or a trough, will be dropping down from the Gulf of Alaska tomorrow. It is bringing in abundant subtropical moisture and cooler air. An atmospheric river will fuel showers and heavy mountain snow over the weekend.

From this upper level low, there are a series of smaller surface systems that will stem off of it. These will bring breezy winds and waves of precipitation over the course of the next few days.

The first wave will be Friday afternoon, between 3-6pm we should start to see showers. Rain will continue into the night. The second wave will come Saturday around lunchtime. The third wave is expected on Sunday.

As temperatures progressively cool, rain along the mountains will turn into heavy snow and a wintry mix is likely in the high desert. Higher elevations in South County could see some snow accumulate on their lawns by Sunday.

It is likely that the National Weather Service will release Winter Weather Alerts for the mountains this weekend. Snow is expected at pass level and will make travel difficult at times.

Happy Thursday! Have a nice day.

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