Mild weather returns this week, snow possible by Friday

The ups and downs of the weather world continue in Central Oregon. The cold pattern from the weekend is being replaced by a much milder pattern to start the new week.  Temperatures struggled to get above freezing this weekend but for the next few days our readings will be in the 50s.  There is a warmer than normal pattern in place and we will steadily warm each day, topping out in the low 50s Wednesday and Thursday.

Changes are likely to begin late Thursday as the region will begin a much wetter weather regiment.  Currently the models are forecasting mountain snow and a wintry mix over the high desert early Friday, followed by snow across the region through Saturday morning.

The snow should be widespread, but the bulk of the High Desert snow will be south of Lava Butte and west of Bend.  The amounts for the higher elevated areas along 97 have yet to be nailed down, but 5 – 7” is not far off by the time Saturday afternoon rolls around.

Heavy snow is likely to return to the Cascades starting Thursday night and lasting for several days.  Travel through mountain passes this weekend will be impacted by the snow, so if you are planning to traverse the passes, prepare for some travel issues related to the snow.

The temperatures late in the week will not be bitter cold, so a wintry mix at times is currently in the forecast as well.

Enjoy the mild weather the next couple of days, then be safe in the snow and enjoy that as well.

Please stay safe.

An Air Stagnation Advisory is in place for portions of the viewing area until 4 am Friday. Light winds and high pressure will continue to trap the smoke and particulate matter across the region until some wet weather arrives Friday to scour it out. Try not to do any outdoor burning, and limit your wood burning heating the best you can.

Don’t forget to download the KTVZ weather app to stay safe and informed.

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ktvz-local-alert-weather-app/id1088330817 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ktvz.android.weather&hl=en_US