Possible record warmth this week as high pressure takes over

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) - Well above normal temperature readings this week as the ridge of high pressure is in place across the west coast. Rain showers are pushing into Washington State, with a line of rain possible in Portland, but in Central Oregon the area is dry and “June-like” today. 

The normal high for this time of year in Bend is 52, but we will be in the middle 70s today across the area.

Today is St. Patrick’s Day, and the luck of the Irish will be with you if you like the warmer weather. If you are still hopeful of hanging on to winter, this will not be your lucky day.  The highs across the Cascades will be in the middle to upper 50s. under mostly sunny skies. Bluebird Spring Skiing is the way folks are describing the day.

The warmth this week will be close to record levels as records for Bend and Redmond will be approached. The best chance to re-write the record books after today will be Thursday, the last day of winter. The record high in Bend of 76 set in 1916 is in jeopardy as I am forecasting 78.

Most locations this week will hit the 70s, except for Sisters which should only top out in the upper 60s.

Friday is the Vernal Equinox, which is when the direct rays of the sun are over the equator. This will occur at 7:46 am Friday which will start the Astronomical Spring.  This season is defined by the relationship between the earth and the sun. The Meteorological Spring is defined by temperatures and is used by scientists for record keeping.  Starting Friday, the daylight hours will exceed the nighttime hours, or simply put, more daylight than darkness.

The weather this week will be more like June than March. June has normal highs in the 70s all month.

There may be some increasing cloud cover Friday before we see some light rain overnight Friday into Saturday for a brief period.

Early morning hours of Saturday will have some wet ground, but only in Western Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Crook County will stay dry for the next several days.

Highs this weekend will still be above normal as we will see upper 50s as the ridge clears out to the east. The cooler pattern will not be accompanied by rain apart from the brief passing shower before dawn Saturday.

Please, Stay safe.

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