Winter Storm Warning into Thursday, Spring begins with a wintry theme
Tonight at 2:01 am (technically Thursday) the direct rays of the Sun will be perpendicular to the equator, that is the Vernal Equinox. It signifies the beginning of the astronomical spring and we start to see more hours of daylight than darkness. The weather, on the other hand, will be much more reminiscent of winter.
There is a Winter Storm Warning in place for portions of Deschutes and Jefferson Counties until 11 pm Thursday. Winds will be gusting near 35 mph across the mountains and near 25 mph along 97. Starting from the SW then arriving from the W tomorrow. Blowing and drifting snow will reduce visibility, exercise caution when traveling, especially through the mountains.
The indications are that the cold front moving into the region will push a good deal of moisture ahead of its path. The timing of the event is going to coincide with colder air so I am expecting a wintry mix of rain and snow to start then a switch to all snow overnight. The lower elevations, along 97, will mainly see slushy roads and some patchy ice. The mountains will be in line with all snow.
South of Lava Butte and west to Sisters will be the snow, all other locations will see the mix. If you are traveling south from Bend or west over the Cascades, be prepared for deteriorated travel conditions.
The wintry mix will linger off and on Thursday once the initial blast begins tonight. Highs will be mild enough on Thursday to, once again, support a mix of rain and snow over the High Desert.
Rain and snow linger into Friday with a robust rain and snow in the afternoon. The mercury in the thermometer will be warm enough once again to allow for more rain than snow Friday, but the locations above 4500 feet will see snow.
The event comes to an end just after midnight Friday into Saturday then we begin the process of enjoying the spring-like weather. Highs on Sunday will hit the low 60s and Monday will see highs in the low 70s.
Please stay safe.
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