Unseasonably warm end to the winter season

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) - Winter is ending on a warm note, with temperatures feeling more June-like. Afternoon highs in the 70s will stick around through Friday.

We could see record warmth today. Expect partly to mostly sunny skies as we wrap up the work week.

This warm, dry pattern is also bringing an elevated fire weather risk across parts of Central Oregon. Gusty afternoon winds, low humidity, and dry grasses could allow fires to spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. 

Relief arrives late Friday as a cold front moves through, bringing increasing clouds and a slight chance of rain overnight into Saturday. 

Friday marks the Vernal Equinox, when the sun is directly over the equator at 7:46 a.m. This signals the start of astronomical spring for the Northern Hemisphere and the astronomical fall in the Southern Hemisphere. Both will get an equal amount of sunlight. 

Temperatures will cool this weekend, but remain slightly above normal as the ridge shifts east. Expect highs in the upper 50s to low 60s Saturday and Sunday.

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