Dry and hot pattern persists, fire danger remains

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – A ridge of high pressure will continue to develop over the Four Corners Region and push well above normal heat to Central Oregon. The ridge will maintain a grip on the area through the middle of the week. Highs will be in the middle 90s Tuesday and low 90s Wednesday before the ridge migrates east.

Tuesday will be the hottest day of this forecast period as highs reach about 10 – 12 degrees above our normal low 80s for this time of year. There will be some cloud cover accompanying the heat, so “filtered sunshine” will best define the sky conditions.

Wednesday begins a slightly less hot day but highs will still be in the 90s. Mostly to partly sunny skies once again will best describe the sky conditions.  The flow of air arrives from the southwest each of the next several days, keeping the heat on and the clouds present.

Thursday will begin to see a drop in the mercury as a low off the coast finally breaks through the defensive ridge. This will have us in the middle 80s with partly cloudy skies.  A few showers arrive west of the Cascades across the Valley, but are not expecting any rain for quite some time.

The drought situation is getting dire in a few locations. The Extreme Drought category is covering 90% of the tri-counties at the moment, so no one is out of the dry pattern. There are noticeable low reservoirs in the area, Prineville Reservoir for example is around 30 – 35% full.

Friday will remain dry and warm with highs in the low 80s as there are some signs of a cool down on the way. Saturday will only reach the upper 70s in the afternoon as some showers arrive west of the Cascades. The low off the coast will have moved into British Columbia by then providing a slight breeze from the northwest. This low moves across the high-line of Montana Sunday and we should keep the 70s in place for a day or so.

The large wildfires are staring to become more mop up and patrolling than fighting, which is awesome.

Thanks to all the fire fighters and construction contractors that have been on the front lines this summer.  A brutal fight this year, and a dangerous one, thank you for all you do.

Please, Stay safe and smart.

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