Warm Weekend Ahead for Central Oregon, Before a Cool Monday Shift

We are kicking off the holiday weekend with spectacular, warm weather across Central Oregon. Whether you are heading out to the Cascade Lakes, camping near Sisters, or grilling in Bend, Redmond, Madras, or Prineville, the next few days are picture-perfect for outdoor fun. Just keep an eye out for a cooler weather transition arriving by Monday afternoon. Here is your quick lifestyle breakdown based on the latest National Weather Service data.

The Holiday Forecast

Friday Night and Saturday

Expect mostly clear conditions tonight with valley lows in the 40s and evening gusts near 20 mph. Saturday starts sunny before turning partly cloudy, with highs repeating near the lower 80s in the valleys and mid 70s to lower 80s for La Pine and Sunriver. Heads up for Saturday night: northwest winds will pick up with gusts near 30 mph, so be sure to secure your camp gear before turning in.

Sunday (The Pick of the Weekend)

Sunday is shaping up to be the absolute crown jewel of the holiday weekend. Expect pure, beautiful sunshine across the high desert. Highs will climb into the lower to mid 80s in the valleys and the upper 70s in mountain resort areas, making it the perfect day for hitting the trails or getting out on the water.

Memorial Day Monday

If you have outdoor plans for Monday, you will want to track the clock closely. The valleys will stay partly cloudy with highs ranging from the mid 70s to mid 80s, but the East Slopes of the Cascades face a 50% chance of rain showers and much cooler highs in the 50s and 60s. Rain and high-mountain snow showers will pick up over the passes Monday night.

Long Weekend Safety Reminders

Traffic and Trails

Expect heavy holiday visitor traffic on US-97 and our popular mountain routes. Give yourself extra travel time, watch out for larger RVs, and pack plenty of water for both yourself and your passengers to stay properly hydrated during transit delays or long afternoon hikes.

Pet Safety

Valley temperatures climbing near the mid 80s mean pavement and dry trail dirt can quickly scorch sensitive paws. Practice the five-second rule—if it is too hot to hold the back of your hand against the ground, it is too hot for your dog. Watch closely for signs of overheating, and ensure your pets have access to plenty of shade and fresh water.

Off-Road and Fire Safety

Fine fuels dry out incredibly fast in sustained 80-degree sunshine and afternoon gusts. If you are hiking or riding ATVs and OHVs on unmaintained "two-track" dirt roads, be deeply mindful of the tall grass and brush growing down the center. Hot exhaust pipes, engines, and catalytic converters can easily catch dry vegetation underneath and spark a wildfire before you even realize it. Ensure your spark arrestors are secure, avoid parking over dry brush, and always make sure campfires are completely doused and cold to the touch.

Don’t forget to download the Local Alert Weather App to stay connected with our team of meteorologists. 

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