Drying out, warming up and still breezy
Bend, Ore (KTVZ)-- Today the region will be in transition from wet to dry as the “Atmospheric River” shifts north into Washington State and British Columbia. Central Oregon did not get much rain over the past few days, just off and on light rain for the most part, while Portland and NW Oregon saw several inches of rain. Washington is reporting several creeks, streams and rivers are at or above flood stage. What we did not see here in Central Oregon was sunshine, and what we did see was above normal temperatures and gusty winds.
Today we still see the clouds and feel the brisk winds, but the rain chances are still low. As we head toward the weekend the sunshine returns and the temperature readings reach the 60s.
Thursday will be partly cloudy with the mercury in the thermometer rising into the low 60s. Normal high temperatures for mid-December are around 40, so we are significantly warmer than usual. This warmth will continue through at least Monday as the ridge of high pressure responsible for this warmth is still in place.
Friday and Saturday will both hit the low 60s under mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies. This should break or tie some very old records that have stood for over 100 years. The record high for Friday in Bend is 63, which will be challenged, Saturdays record is 59, which should be broken. Both records were recorded in 1924. Calvin Coolidge was in the White House at that time, just saying.
Sunday will still be well above normal as temperature readings hit the upper 50s. Clouds will move in as the day moves along ahead of what will be a rainy pattern next week.
Enjoy the dry and mild pattern for now as the rain will be back most of next week.
It is not likely that the resorts will be open for skiing anytime soon as the next seven days will be above freezing in the daytime and barely below overnight.
Please, Stay safe.
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