Snow possible, rain likely

Happy Monday evening, Central Oregon!

An upper level ridge of high pressure over the area will quickly flatten Tuesday as a strong low pressure trough moves across the area through Wednesday.

Tuesday overnight lows will range from the high 20s to low 30s.

There is a good moisture feed with this system, and an onset of the precipitation is expected Tuesday morning.

Otherwise, expect a general increase in rain/mountain snow during the day and into the night, with snow levels rising substantially to above 5,000 feet.

Tuesday's highs will be above average, in the mid- to high 40s.

On Wednesday, a strong cold front will cross the area.

Coupled with a strong low-level jet stream and steep low-level lapse rates, expect windy conditions over the lower elevations beginning late Tuesday night through Wednesday evening.

Snow levels will be lowering as well, to 2000-3000 feet Wednesday night and Thursday. But by that time, only light snow accumulations in the mountains are anticipated.

Thursday night through Monday, as we enter the latter half of the week, the pattern will remain active within a belt of fast northwest flow.

From Friday into early next week, the pattern will remain rather progressive, with additional opportunities for valley rain and mountain snow.

Saturday and Sunday show the strongest chance for rain/snow showers at lower elevations down to 1,500 feet.