Meteorological winter begins today, above normal temperatures this week, stray showers by late week

Bend, Ore (KTVZ).  The mild and dry pattern is back, but this week the temperatures are only expected to be a few degrees above normal.  The normal high for early December is 43 in Bend, which will be a few degrees cooler than what is forecast, the middle to upper 40s.

There is not much rain or mountain snow expected this week, so the resorts are going to have to deal with another bleak week with no new snow.

There is a chance for some rain to arrive on Thursday, but that should only be a passing shower.  No widespread rain is likely to arrive until the weekend.

The temps hit the 50s Thursday and will return there each afternoon through at least next Monday. The sky conditions are going to be a mix of mostly to partly cloudy skies each day. Overnight mist and foggy conditions are possible over the Cascades as the mild air mingles with the cooler ground with some snow (not much).

Of note, today is the first day of the meteorological winter.

The meteorological winter is defined as the three coldest months of the year.  December, January, and February are the three months that climatologists use to establish records and keep score of precipitation and other variables that will fall under the umbrella of “winter” time.  The astronomical winter is determined by the winter solstice and vernal equinox, using the relationship of the earth and sun to define the season. This year the solstice happens on December 21st at 7:03 AM, PST; when the direct rays of the sun are over the Tropic of Cancer.  It is also the day with the least amount of daylight hours.

Please, Stay safe.

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