LOCAL ALERT WEATHER DAY: Today and Thursday as mountain snow and high desert mix return to Central Oregon

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) - Local Alert Weather Days are in place for Today and Thursday as travel will be impacted across the high desert by the wintry mix today and the snow showers Thursday morning.  In addition to the high desert, the mountain passes will be compromised by the snow and rain mixing. Wind and some isolated thunderstorms are also in this forecast, so a lot to unpack.

A Winter Storm Warning is in place until Thursday afternoon for portions of Central Oregon. The main impact at lower elevations will be a wintry mix of rain and snow, then overnight snow tonight into Thursday morning. The accumulations will be low, but the roads will be slick. Slushy conditions for your morning commute Thursday will be likely along 97 from Redmond to La Pine, as well as along 126 and 20, so allow extra time to get to your destination.

The mountains will be impacted by snow, which has already been falling today. The total accumulations will be around 8 – 10” by tomorrow morning, so the base numbers grow and the riders will enjoy some new snow. The snow will be wet, as the temperatures will be in the upper 20s to low 30s, not ideal powder, but awesome to get some snow late in this snow-starved season.

As for the wind, there will be gusts near 30 mph today and Thursday, with the origin of the wind coming from the SW today and the Northwest Tonight. The SW flow brings in mild air, so highs today will be in the 50s ahead of the cold front. Then after the front, the winds arrive from the NW and that brings in the cooler pattern. That is when we see the snow, after sunset tonight.

The lightning strikes will be few and far between, but still on the docket for this afternoon. The atmosphere is just volatile enough to generate some strikes, so when you hear the rumble of thunder, make sure to get inside or take cover.

Thursday will be chilly with highs in the upper 40s followed by warmer weather Friday.

Skies clear out late Thursday but the chilly air remains. Clear skies and light winds will allow our temperatures to drop well below freezing. Tender vegetation, if it has started to bud, will be impacted.

Dry and much milder weather is expected over the weekend with 60s on Friday and 70s Saturday though Tuesday.

Please, Stay safe.

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