Local Alert Day Sunday, rain likely Friday, wintry mix this weekend,

(KTVZ, Bend Ore.) Today is the “day of transition” as we will be going from a dry and mild pattern to a wet and chilly pattern.  Today the clouds will move in as the day progresses ahead of what will be a rainy and snowy weekend.

Friday starts the wet pattern with showers arriving in the middle to late afternoon.  The rain will be widespread and should be beneficial for our water table and provide soaking rains for our agricultural community. This is what will be the first of three waves.  Highs Friday will still be above normal, reaching the middle 60s.

Saturday will be much cooler as the rain was associated with a cold front. Also, an area of low pressure anchoring this first wave will drive a cold pocket of air into the Pacific Northwest which will remain through the weekend. As for the precipitation Saturday, it will be a cold rain off and on over the High Desert, accompanied by snow over the mountains. A mix of rain and snow will also be possible in southern Deschutes County and along the east face of the Cascades.

Little to no accumulation on roads but there will be snow above 5000 or 6000 feet. Currently still sorting out the numbers but the bottom line is that travel through the passes Saturday and Sunday will be slick and slow. This will be the second wave that pushes though. Still mild enough to provide mainly rain.

We have issued the Local Alert Day to allow everyone enough time to prepare for the adverse weather.
Mountain snow and a wintry mix at lower elevations will impact travel. Below is the event that will hit us Sunday.

The third event will be associated with a low arriving from the south and west. This low will have the cooler air in place to work with as well as the moisture. The potential for more snow than rain with this system due to the colder air in place.

Mountain totals could be impressive if the persistence of the snow is realized.  I am expecting at least a winter weather advisory for the mountains. We will continue to update you as the weekend pattern comes into better alignment and focus.  

Please, Stay safe.

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