Warm and dry weekend ahead for Central Oregon after windy start
After a blustery start to the week, Central Oregon is heading into a stretch of classic early summer weather.
The gusty winds and scattered mountain showers that moved through Tuesday will gradually wind down on Wednesday, making way for warmer temperatures, sunny skies and a dry pattern that looks set to stick around through the weekend.
Windy Tuesday Gives Way to Improving Weather
Strong west winds have been the big story across Central Oregon, especially in exposed areas from Bend and Redmond to Madras and Prineville. While the strongest gusts will ease overnight, breezy conditions will linger into Wednesday.
A few light showers may continue along the east slopes of the Cascades and higher mountain terrain through Wednesday morning, including areas near Sisters, Camp Sherman, Sunriver and La Pine. Those showers are expected to fade by late morning as the weather system responsible for the unsettled conditions moves east.
By Wednesday afternoon, sunshine will return across most of the region.
Temperatures will remain on the cool side for June, with highs reaching the mid to upper 60s around Bend, Redmond, Prineville and Madras. Communities along the Cascades will top out mainly in the 50s and low 60s.
Summer-Like Warmth Arrives Thursday
The weather pattern shifts significantly on Thursday as high pressure begins building into the Pacific Northwest.
That means abundant sunshine, lighter winds and a noticeable warmup across Central Oregon.
Bend, Redmond and Prineville are expected to climb to around 80 degrees Thursday afternoon, while lower-elevation Cascade communities should reach the 70s.
Overnight temperatures will remain cool but comfortable, generally falling into the upper 30s and 40s.
Warm and Dry Through the Weekend
The warming trend continues Friday and Saturday, with highs climbing into the lower and middle 80s across much of Central Oregon.
Skies are expected to remain clear, providing ideal conditions for outdoor plans, hiking, camping and recreation across the region.
Mountain communities will also warm steadily, with highs reaching the upper 70s and low 80s in many valleys by the weekend.
By Sunday, temperatures across Central Oregon should remain in the 80s under mostly sunny skies.
Hotter Weather Ahead Next Week
The warmest temperatures of the forecast period arrive early next week.
Highs are expected to push into the upper 80s and lower 90s Monday and Tuesday across lower elevations, including Bend, Redmond, Madras and Prineville.
While winds are forecast to remain relatively light for much of the period, forecasters are watching the potential for locally breezy conditions to return over the weekend. Combined with the warmer and much drier air mass, that could elevate fire weather concerns in parts of Central Oregon and along the east slopes of the Cascades.
For now, the forecast points toward a welcome stretch of sunshine and steadily warming temperatures after a windy and unsettled start to the week.
