Dry and sunny pattern to close out the year
Bend, Ore (KTVZ)— Quiet pattern as we close out the year, rain arrives to begin 2026. Unfortunately, the lack of wind has prompted the National Weather Service to issue an “Air Stagnation Alert” for portions of the Tri-Counties. Any pile burns, any prescribed burns, and all fireplace emissions will not easily dissipate, causing poor air quality in places.
Other than that, the area is going to be sunny and dry to close out the year.
Tuesday will be mostly sunny with high temperatures in the upper 40s. An area of high pressure over the region is keeping the skies clear of clouds and the winds light. The normal high for late December is around 41, so our upper 40s in an above normal reading. It is the same high-pressure dome that is responsible for the potentially poor air quality.
New Year’s Eve will be the day of transition as clouds move in ahead of a rainy day on New Year’s Day. The rain is not expected to arrive until after the midnight hour New Year’s Eve, but will be present most of the day Thursday. The rain will be light and fairly steady so don’t expect to see much sunshine on the first of the year.
A mildly active start to the new year as there will be mostly cloudy skies Friday as highs reach the low 50s. There may be a few light rain showers over the region, but generally the rain is more than likely to hold off until Saturday.
Saturday will be mild as well with highs near 50 under mostly cloudy skies. There will be a chance for some off and on rain showers during the day, and a bit of a wintry mix in the early morning and late day time frames.
Mountain snow is possible on Friday and Saturday with light accumulations. The temperatures will be cold enough for all snow on the mountains, but not much powder as the high-water content of the snow is not perfect snow, but it is snow.
Sunday and Monday will be dry and mild as we once again see the mercury in the thermometer hit the upper 40s.
Please, Stay safe.
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