Near normal temperatures this week, still dry and smoky at times

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – The high temperatures this week are significantly “less hot” than last week as the mercury will only reach the middle and low 80s Wednesday through the weekend. Air quality has not improved much in the Prineville area as very unhealthy readings are being posted. The fires that are impacting the region are the Grasshopper, Wrights Spring and Rowe Creek Complex West Zone.  These fires are throwing smoke into the air, but the other fires that have been significantly contained are still smoldering and releasing smoke at lower levels.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny and warm with highs in the middle 80s. The air quality is still a concern, and will be for a while. Winds are expected to arrive from the northwest or north, so there may be some smoke from the Grasshopper and Austin fires. 

Thursday will be another warm, not hot, day with the chance for more smoke to arrive. Overall, the cooler days will be helpful to the fire fighting efforts.

Friday will be a bit cloudier than what we have seen in recent weeks. The chance for a shower is almost zero so I don’t anticipate any rain to make it to the ground. The winds will be light and variable with the chance of smoke still in the forecast.

Saturday may be the first chance we have had in some time to get some rain. The rain will be light and very scattered, so not much benefit if the rain makes it to the ground at all.  There is still some speculation that we may not see any moisture this weekend, therefore, as we get closer to the weekend, we will fine tune this part of the forecast.

There is great progress being made on the several wildfires in the state.  This is the most active fire season in modern history and my hat goes off to all the men and women working on the fires.  Thank you.

Please, Stay safe and smart.

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