Warm pattern ahead, isolated storms Wednesday
A large ridge of high pressure will be aiding in the warmth this week as the area my experience our first 90° day. Earlier this month we topped out at 85 on the 9th but the forecast is calling for a high of 90 tomorrow. The last time we hit the 90s was on September 24th with a high of 94.
In addition to the heat, there is a chance for some thunderstorms to pop-up in the heat of the day. The storms will be isolated and not expected to be severe, but dangerous lightning and some gusty winds near the storms will be a safety concern. When you hear thunder, that means the storms are close enough for you to be impacted by lightning. Get indoors when you hear the thunder.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed all three counties, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson under the “general” risk of a thunderstorm. Again, nothing severe, but we have placed the region in a Yellow Local Alert Weather Day. A Red Day would include severe storms.
The ridge pushes east early Thursday and allows for some cooler air, but still in the 80s, to define the day. Little to no moisture is available for the week so no showers are anticipated at this time.
Friday begins another warming pattern as the ridge rebuilds in the area. Highs Friday will be in the middle to upper 80s followed by temperatures in the low 90s Saturday. This will break the old record in Bend of 89° set in 1922.
Fire season is off and running with a wildfire in Wheeler County along the Butte Creek. As of Tuesday morning, the acreage has been decreased from 3000 acres to 1776 acres due to a more accurate mapping. That will change, of course, so we will continue to monitor this event. Winds are transporting the smoke very slowly as the winds are light and variable. Stay tuned.
Please stay safe.
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