Local Alert Weather Day: Strong thunderstorms and scattered showers possible, isolated tornadoes

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) - We issued a Local Alert Weather Day for Thursday due to the threat of strong to severe storms in the forecast.

The Storm Prediction Center has portions of Central Oregon under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe storms today. Some storms may bring wind gusts near 60 mph and hail up to 1 inch in diameter, which meets the criteria for a severe thunderstorm. Also, there is a small but not zero chance of isolated tornadoes in the heat of the day and into the evening.

Temperatures will rise into the 70s and 80s this afternoon. That warmth is one of the key ingredients needed for thunderstorms to develop.

Storm chances increase Thursday afternoon and evening, so you may want to consider moving outdoor plans indoors or rescheduling them to a different day.

We are expecting a good deal of rain with this week's storms, and we could use it as we are well behind as far as rainfall totals this year. However, some storms may produce heavy downpours in a short amount of time, which could lead to minor flooding.

Scattered showers return tomorrow as another round of moisture moves in from the west. Expect some lingering rain into Friday before conditions gradually begin drying out later in the afternoon.

Temperatures will cool into the low to mid 60s Friday and Saturday.

We’re expecting partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies this weekend, with warmer temperatures returning Sunday as highs climb back into the 70s.

Warmer weather makes a comeback early next week, bringing Central Oregon to the upper 70s and low 80s on Monday and Tuesday.

Stay safe out there and enjoy your Thursday!

Don’t forget to download the Local Alert Weather App to stay connected with our team of meteorologists. 

You can get access to LIVE radar and receive urgent weather alerts so you’re always prepared.