Wintry weather returns to the Cascades, gusty winds across the High Desert

A Winter Weather Advisory is in place for portions of Deschutes and Jefferson Counties, but only for locations above 5000 feet. The mountain passes will be impacted by the snow as 5 - 7" of snow may fall on Highway 20 (Santiam Pass) and points north. Highway 22 and 26 will be impacted by more snow as this event is more focused to our north. We are still close enough for us to be concerned about the snow drifting south, but generally the High Desert will be dealing with rain showers and a few flurries.

Wednesday has a good chance for some light rain and winds near 25 - 35 mph at times. Again, the bulk of the precipitation will be north of Deschutes County, meaning Jefferson County will see a steadier diet of rain this week than Crook and Deschutes. Temperatures will be mild enough to support all rain below 6500 feet, so only the early morning hours will have a slight chance for a rain/snow mix.  Highs will be in the 50s most locations.

Thursday will see periods of rain and high level snow.  There will be travel issues Thursday through the passes, mainly Santiam Pass and north as snow and rain will mix to create slick roadways. Once again Jefferson County will see most of the rain and could get as much as 0.25 - .050” added to the weeks total.

Friday, the rain lingers but is showing signs of tapering off in time for the weekend. Highs will be in the 60s starting Friday and will stay close to that number for several days, including the weekend.
Saturday will have some light rain early then see a clearing pattern take over. The region hits 60 on Friday, then a brief return to the middle 50s Saturday. Sunday gets back to 60 then the 70s possible early next week.

There will be a few inches of snow each day across the Central Oregon Cascades and much more around Mt. Hood and into Washington State.

Overall, this will be a rainy week past Wednesday, so get out and enjoy the sunshine and dry weather Tuesday, we may not see the sun until Saturday.

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