Brisk winds, a passing mix of rain and snow Tuesday and early Wednesday, drying out for the holidays

Bend, Ore (KTVZ)--  The winds are noticeable today as they arrive from the southwest at around 15 mph and gust near 25 at times. There will be a mix of clouds and sunshine today, but a passing shower tonight and tomorrow will slightly impact the Tuesday morning commute and linger into Wednesday morning as well.

There is an area of low pressure off the coast of Northern California that will move northeast over the next two days. This movement will provide us with more wet weather.  There will be a passing mix of rain and snow Tuesday afternoon as the low approaches then a bit more widespread rain overnight into Wednesday morning.

The rain Tuesday night will be steady and cold as temperatures drop near freezing and mountain snow is expected.  The snowfall overnight into Wednesday across the mountains will be steady and close to pass level so travel for the holiday will be impacted.

The snow will end by early Wednesday morning (Christmas Eve Day) and the region will be drying out by early in the afternoon. Expect to see some travel concerns overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, then a quiet pattern for the rest of the weekend.

The National Weather Service out of Pendleton has issued a special statement about traveling through the passes Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning. 

Wednesday afternoon will see us drying out and warming slightly as the mercury in the thermometer gets us back into the 50s.

Christmas Day will see a mix of clouds and sunshine as temps will be back in the 50s once again. Friday brings back some mountain snow, but only light snow, but continues to add to the totals.

With respect to the resorts, check out our Snow Report regarding opening days and snowfall totals.

Snow Report: Bachelor to open Tuesday, other resorts follow suit - KTVZ

We have passed the Winter Solstice, which occurred Sunday, and the days are now getting more sunlight (a couple of minutes each day) until the Summer Solstice.

Have a great holiday week.

Please, Stay safe.

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