Mild day to close out 2025, rainy day to start 2026

Bend, Ore (KTVZ)— Plenty of sunshine on the last day of the year allowing the temperatures to hit the 50s in a number of locations.  Clouds will overtake the region after sunset and the start of the new year will be rainy.

After the midnight festivities in Central Oregon are through, rain is likely to arrive. The rain will be light and steady overnight with some areas in Jefferson County seeing some light freezing rain. The chance is low, but not zero, so we need to be aware of the possibility.

Here is what freezing rain is:
Freezing rain is rain that freezes on contact and creates an icy glaze that accumulates on surfaces that are below freezing. Typically, that is any elevated surface, like trees, a back deck, your car and power lines.  If the ice is thick enough, it may weigh down the tree limbs and the power lines.  This may cause some power outages.

This event Thursday morning in Jefferson County will be very light icing, if at all, and only an icy glaze, not much thickness or weight.  It may, however, cause dangerous driving conditions.  Slick roads and overpasses are likely if this occurs.

The timing of the possible icy pattern is around sunrise, followed by light rain. This will help to scour out any icy that may have fallen. I want to be clear, this is only in a small portion of Jefferson County, but along the northern portion of the state the ice may be a bit more of a problem.

The rest of New Year’s Day will be cloudy with some light rain. Mountain snow is also possible, but not much and mainly above 4500 to 5000 feet. 

Friday will be partly cloudy and mild with highs in the 50s. There may be a stray shower or two Friday and Saturday, but not much more than a brief period of light rain. The warmer than normal pattern is not good news for the snow riders, but it does help with the heating bill.

Sunday through next Wednesday will be partly to mostly cloudy with off and on rain showers in the daylight hours and a mix of rain and snow overnight. Nothing major, just more inconvenient conditions. By Wednesday there is a chance to see a bit more robust rain and snow, but that part of the forecast is still under construction and subject to change.

Please, Stay safe.

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