Persistent pattern of precipitation through the weekend

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – The rainy pattern will persist through the weekend providing much needed “wetting” rain showers to the region. The rain will soak the parched soil in the area and help with the suppression efforts of the fire fighters.

Thursday will be cloudy and cool with highs reaching the low 60s with several locations only reaching the upper 50s.  The normal high for early September is around 79 so Central Oregon will be about 15 – 20 degrees below normal.  Local rain gauges report around 0.20 - 0.40 inches of rain since Wednesday. There is more on the way.

The area fire fighting efforts have been helped by the rain, but we still need to be concerned about the threat of debris flows. Harney, Malheur and Baker County burn scars are being monitored for mudslides or debris flows as there may be more rain in the east. The burn scars in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties are not getting as much rain, but the newly exposed earth due to the fires may allow some minor mud flows.  Something to watch for as we head into the weekend.

Friday will be another rainy day with the off and on nature of the precipitation defining the pattern. The highs will be in the 60s most locations and the winds will be breezy, not windy. There is a very slight chance for an isolated thunderstorm Friday so if you are out and about in the wet weather, be alert for thunder.

Saturday will be partly to mostly cloudy with a slight chance for some light rain and or drizzle. Highs will be in the middle 60s as we may see the sun for a few hours.

Sunday brings back another round of rainy weather as the upper level low pressure system that is generating all this wet weather will remain in place. Rain showers continue off and on Sunday with very little chance of lightning, but not zero.

Labor Day is expected to be the end of this run of much needed rain. The morning hours will be cloudy and there may be some lingering showers before partially clearing out.  The afternoon time frame looks to be dry so if your plans include an outdoor bar-b-que, you should be able to get that done.

Dry and warmer weather is on the docket for Tuesday and should remain that way through the short work week. Highs will be in the upper 70s by mid-week.

Please, Stay safe and smart.

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