Local Alert Weather – Sat. AM

Happy Saturday morning, everyone!

Saturday feels the effects of the warm front with highs reaching the upper 40s and low to mid 50s. Winds will be very gusty around 50 miles per hour through the morning and into the evening. The wind chill factor will make it feel like it’s 5 to 10 degrees colder, so be prepared to dress warmly.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect for the weekend for areas south of Bend and on the east slopes of the Cascades for snow likely accumulating on roadways, making the surfaces slick. Know if you’re headed out this weekend some areas could be icy especially during the overnight and morning hours.

Saturday morning could start with a few snow showers for higher elevations, but most of the High Desert is looking at rain showers on and off during the day.

A WIND ADVISORY is in effect for most of Central Oregon for strong wind gusts tomorrow topping 50 miles per hour. Strong winds could also play a role when driving.

Snow levels will fall from 5,300′ Saturday morning to 3,000′ Saturday night. By Sunday snow levels will be well below the elevations of the High Desert. Mt. Bachelor can expect a foot to two feet of snow by the end of the day Sunday.

Low snow levels by Sunday morning means the showers on Saturday will turn over to snow showers Saturday night into Sunday morning. Central Oregon can expect traces with more snow for higher elevations and the mountains.

Temperatures by Sunday will be much colder as the cold front brings a cold air mass along. Daytime highs for Sunday and the beginning of next week will top out in the upper 20s and low to mid 30s. Overnight lows will fall into the single digits and teens.

Phew. Sorry for the long post, but we have an active weather pattern on tap for the weekend!

Have a happy & safe one out there!

— Emily