The Vernal Equinox is Friday, dry and very mild the rest of the work week

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – Mild pattern continues through Friday, then much cooler conditions expected this weekend.  The highs tomorrow and Friday will be in the 70s but only hit the 50s on Saturday as cooler air arrives from the northwest. A slight chance for light rain is expected before sunrise Saturday but will not be much more than a trace or a tenth of an inch at best.

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 once again today.

The warmth this week will be close to record levels as records for Bend and Redmond will be approached. We have had record highs tied in Bend both Monday and Tuesday.  Madras, Redmond and Sisters also added new dates to the books yesterday.

The best chance to re-write the record books after today will be tomorrow, the last full day of winter. The record high in Bend of 76 set in 1916 is in jeopardy as I am forecasting 78.

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.

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.

Sunday will see the mercury rise past 60 again as we continue our string of above normal temperature readings.

Please, Stay safe.

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