Hot pattern remains, strong storms expected today and tonight

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – The well above normal temperatures continue today as the mercury will reach the low to middle 90s for the third day in a row. In Bend, we have crossed 90° eight out of 15 days so far this month, over half. The rest of the week and into the weekend will continue to be hot. A chance for upper 80s verses the low 90s is possible Thursday, but Friday we jump right back to the 90s through the weekend and into next week.

The other concern today is the chance for some strong to possibly severe storms in the region. The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of Central Oregon in the Marginal Risk for severe storms this afternoon and this evening. There may be some robust storms that develop in the heat of the day and generate gusts near 60 mph. That will, by definition, be a severe storm. The storms will also generate a good deal of rain and lightning.  Fire danger is already high, so the threat of thunderstorm or dry thunderstorms is not a welcomed sight.

The nature of these storms is such that they will develop quickly so if you are out and about, keep an eye out for rapidly rising clouds. This is a building cumulus clouds that will percolate into strong storm clouds. Stay alert today and this evening.

The storms will linger into the evening before moving north into Washington State.  

The rest of the week will be less active with respect to thunderstorms but still hot. Although we may only hit the upper 80s Thursday, that is still above normal by a couple degrees.

Over the weekend, beginning with Friday, we will be in the low to middle 90s under mostly sunny skies. Stay hydrated, stay in the shade as much as you can and wear sunscreen.

This hot and dry weather will continue into at least the middle of next week.

Please, Stay safe and smart.

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