Well above normal warmth this weekend

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – The ridge of high pressure is in control of the western half of the United States and will keep the west dry and summer-like through the weekend and into next week.

Today continues the warm up as highs in Central Oregon are forecast to be in the low 80s most locations. This is just the beginning of the 80-degree run with two days in jeopardy of record-breaking high temperatures.  

Saturday is expected to be slightly warmer than Friday as we keep the run of 80-degree weather in place. Sunday will be the warmest day of this forecast period as we are expected to reach the middle to upper 80s.  The record high of 89 in Bend for the 4^th of October was set in 1958, so there is some chance we may at least tie that mark as I am forecasting an 89.

The chance for another record warm day is possible Monday as the old record in Bend for the 5^th is 87 set in 1979. This may be the better chance to re-write the record books than Sunday since the record high is lower on Monday, but the forecast is similar, I am forecasting an 88, which will re-write the books.

The rest of the week will see the string of 80-degree weather remain as highs will be in the middle to low 80s through Friday.

Time to get out and enjoy the mild to warm weather over the weekend. The winter season is just around the corner and soon enough we will be putting on the snow tires and heavy coats.

Many of us do enjoy the winters here in Central Oregon, so we will be excited for the winter sports and activities that the area has to offer. Until then, the summer is trying to hang on for at least one more week.

One final note: Today I am retiring from television news. I started my career in Los Angeles as an intern then weather producer in the early 1990s and have enjoyed the ability to work in all corners of the country spanning 35 years.  I am thankful to have worked in Central Oregon and have been proud to keep you safe and informed.  From wildfires to snow to storms, this has been a great challenge. I hope you enjoyed my forecasts and that I was able to explain to everyone and teach everyone a little bit of meteorology, which I love so much.  Community service and school visits define my career as well, thanks for letting me help, it was, and is, important to me.  Maybe at the end of the day, I inspired a few Junior Forecasters to pursue a career in meteorology.  Thanks for letting me into your lives.

Please, Stay safe and smart.

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