Mild and dry week ahead as we kick off February
Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – Quiet week ahead as high pressure takes over the region and keeps the moisture offshore. Highs over the weekend in Bend hit the 60s both days and we are well on our way to the 60s again today. This week will begin with well above normal temperatures again and will remain above normal all week.
Normal high temperatures for early February are around the middle 40s most locations. This week we should hover around middle to upper 50s with some low 60s early in the week. This above normal pattern will be accompanied by dry conditions as well.
The “spring-feel” is contrary to the prognosticating rodent that is calling for six more weeks of winter, more on that below. There is a large area of low pressure well off the coast that will stay there and eventually move north toward the Gulf of Alaska. An area of low pressure and trailing cold front will orbit around the low, but it is too far off the coast to provide us with any moisture this week.
Clouds will start to arrive on Saturday, ahead of what is going to be a wet Super Bowl Sunday here in Central Oregon. Rain is expected on Sunday with a chance for a wintry mix next Monday. The ground has yet to freeze this season for longer than a few days, so accumulations of snow will be light until we get a decent blast of winter. That does not seem to be in the immediate forecast.
Phil saw his shadow in Pennsylvania today
As for Groundhog Day, remember, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, he gets frightened and scurries back into his burrow. That means we are expected to see six more weeks of winter. If he comes out on a cloudy day and stays out for a spell, and does not see his shadow, we are expected to get an early spring. The shadow was cast today in Punxsutawney, so it looks like Phil is going back into his burrow to ride out the six more weeks of winter.
By the way...The Vernal Equinox, the first day of the Astronomical Spring, is on March 20th this year at 7:46 am. Just a few days past the “six more weeks of winter” claim by our prognosticating rodent Phil. Funny how things seem to fall into place each year.
Please, Stay safe.
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