Late day storms today and Wednesday as above normal temperatures continue
Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – The heat dome in the middle of the country is continuing to impact the Pacific Northwest. The impacts come on the periphery of the ridge as moisture migrates around the edge. The heat is also continuing to arrive in the region allowing for afternoon “pop-up” storms to develop.
The bulk of the moisture will still be in the eastern third of Oregon but it will begin to slide west. The skies today are going to be a mix of clouds and sunshine, with storms possible in the late day time frame.
The clouds will keep the mercury from rising as hot as yesterday, as we hit 97 in Bend, but still above our normal high of 84 for mid-July. I do expect another 90-degree day nonetheless as the heat continues.
Wednesday will be another day with spotty storms developing in the afternoon heat. The heat dome continues to dominate the Central and Northern portions of the country, effectively blocking off any west to east flow. The southeast and southwest flows will continue into the middle of the week. This will allow the monsoonal moisture to arrive and continue our afternoon pop and drop storms in the heat.
There is, however, an area of low pressure off the coast the is now starting to impact our region. This low is in just the right position to introduce a more southwesterly component to the wind. Some Pacific moisture may also become embedded in the flow aiding our chance for rain. The jury is still out with respect to the movement of this feature as it may move inland over the weekend or move north along the coast.
Thursday may be slightly cooler after the showers Wednesday, but still, we remain above normal. Highs are only expected to hit the upper 80s, breaking the run of 90s.
Current model trends have the low staying off the coast until late in the week, then move north. This will provide some rain for the Portland area late-week, but nothing is expected in Central Oregon.
This complicated pattern and forecast is one of persistence. The heat will continue through the weekend, and our dry weather returns. Some spotty light rain is possible on Monday along the east face or crest of the Cascades, but very low chance. Otherwise, we keep the dry and hot weather in place through at least the middle of next week.
As usual, wildfire concerns remain at the top of the list for impactful issues during this hot and dry run.
Please, Stay safe and smart.
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