Cold front arrives tomorrow, with first freeze likely

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) - Happy Thursday everyone! Big changes are on the way to Central Oregon, with a mix of cold temperatures, rain and snow chances, and breezy winds. However, we are still expecting one more warm afternoon, before our cold front moves through tomorrow evening.

Speaking of the cold front, the updated arrival time brings it through as early as 4 p.m., to about 10 p.m. tomorrow evening. As it passes, winds will become more northerly and temperatures will begin to drop.

Bend and much of the High Desert should stay mostly dry Friday, although showers are possible in the mountains to the west. We'll keep shower chances into the weekend, with a potential round of snow Sunday morning for elevations above 4,800 feet. A few flurries cannot be ruled out on the High Desert, but accumulation is not expected at all. Any mountain snow should be limited, with melting likely as skies clear Sunday afternoon.

The bigger concern is the arrival of much colder air this weekend and into next week. Overnight temperatures will fall into the low 30s and upper 20s, bringing the potential for the first freeze of the season across Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties. Freeze potential increases into early next week, with Monday morning looking particularly cold.

Take the rest of today and tomorrow to start prepping for the incoming cold weather! Check on your sensitive plants, crops and exposed outdoor plumbing as freezing temperatures could cause problems if left unprotected outside. Stay warm folks!