Winter ends warm with elevated fire concerns, cooler pattern over the weekend

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – Yesterday was a very warm day for March, we hit 81 in Bend, Redmond and Warm Springs. The last time we were in the 80s at Bend Municipal Airport was September 28^th. The warm pattern continues Friday as well as the mercury in the thermometer hits the middle 70s.

There is dry air and dry fuel on the ground to accompany the warmer than normal weather. The brush is still dormant and dry as we are just coming out of winter, so it will burn quickly if it gets a spark. Please be careful with anything that might spark a wildfire. It is very windy too.

The last day full day of winter is today, and we will be more in line with a late June day than a mid-March day as far as temperatures are concerned. Highs should be in the low 50s today, but once again, we will be in the 70s. The high cloudiness will help inhibit the heating process so I don’t expect the 80s, but upper 70s will be enough to come close to or break area records.  Record high in Bend for the 19^th of March is 76, that is in jeopardy today.

Friday is the Vernal Equinox, which is when the direct rays of the sun are over the equator. This will occur at 7:46 am Friday which will start the Astronomical Spring.  This season is defined by the relationship between the earth and the sun. The Meteorological Spring is defined by temperatures and is used by scientists for record keeping.  Starting Friday, the daylight hours will exceed the nighttime hours, or simply put, more daylight than darkness.

There may be some increasing cloud cover Friday before we see some light rain overnight Friday into Saturday for a brief period.

The ridge of high pressure that has been dominating California and Oregon this week will break down somewhat and exit to the south and east.  This will open the door for much cooler air to arrive Saturday.

Early morning hours of Saturday will have some wet surfaces before sunrise, but only in Western Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Crook County will stay dry for the next several days.

Highs this weekend will still be above normal as we will see upper 50s as the ridge clears out to the east. Even though we are going to be above normal with respect to highs, we will feel significantly cooler since it has been so mild, but the reality is we are still above normal.

Sunday will see the mercury rise past 60 again as we continue our string of above normal temperature readings. The next chance for rain

Please, Stay safe.

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