Bitter cold pattern in place this week, snow returns on Thursday

The main weather issue to start the new work week will be the frigid temperatures in the area.  Each of the next several nights the mercury in the thermometer will drop into the single digits and sub-zero range.  The cold and dry pattern will be the coldest stretch of the 2024-25 winter season, so we need to prepare for the blast of bitter air.

A Cold Weather Advisory will go into effect tonight at 10 pm and be in place until 7 am Thursday as the coldest air of the season sets in for several days. Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties are included in the Advisory with wind chills in the sub zero range at times and actual temps near or below zero for several hours during the overnight time frame. Frostbite and hypothermia may occur to individuals with unprotected skin exposed to the bitter cold air.

Tonight I expect the temps to drop to below zero in La Pine and Sunriver as the skies clear and the heat gained during the day will dissipate quickly.  All other locations will be in the single digits, so the bottom line is; everyone will be cold.  This is only the beginning of the cold pattern.

Tuesday there will be a mix of clouds and sunshine, mostly sun, but that will do little to warm the region.  Highs across Central Oregon will only hit the low to middle 20s with light to breezy winds. Overnight Tuesday into Wednesday looks to be the coldest night of the week.

The overnight lows Tuesday into Wednesday will be below zero or at zero through the viewing area.  There are a number of issues that arise when the weather conditions are this cold, they involve your home, car and yourself.

Protect your home by making sure you have a bit of a drip going all night to keep your pipes from freezing.  Your car will have a rough time starting up in this cold weather, so if you can, keep your car in a garage or a place where the sun can get to it early in the day.  As for your body, keep as much of your skin covered and wear the appropriate gear to stay warm.  Limit your outdoor activities as best you can, get inside frequently and eat warm foods for breakfast and lunch.

After the bitter start Wednesday the mercury will only rise to the middle 20s again.  Late in the day clouds will arrive and we are expecting snow by Thursday morning.

Thursday will start with a shield of snow from the south, and will continue through the morning. I expect at least a couple of inches of snow Thursday morning.  Heading into the weekend, there will be off and on snow, accompanied by a wintry mix as the temperatures rise above freezing Friday afternoon and will be in the 40s over the weekend each afternoon.  Mountain snow and high desert mix is expected Sunday.

Please stay safe.

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