Possible record heat today; showers, wind and rain arrive overnight

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – The normal high for May 12^th is 66 degrees in Bend and 68 degrees in Redmond, I expect upper 80s and low 90s today in both locations. This heat is a result of the large ridge of high pressure exiting to the east and an upper-level low arriving from the Pacific. The SW flow in between the two will import the heat allowing us to get well above normal, and increase our winds.

Winds will increase tonight and tomorrow as the cooler air arrives and displaces the well above normal heat. A Wind Advisory north of the Tri-Counties in Wasco County and points north will go into effect Wednesday at 5 am and last until 11pm. The winds will be robust, arriving from the west at 25 mph and gusting near 45 to our north, but Jefferson, Deschutes and Crook Counties will see speeds in the 15 – 25 mph range at times with gusts near 35. Dangerous crosswinds may impact highway 97 at times so be prepared for travel troubles.

Tonight the rain will begin and spread east as the night moves along. There may be some isolated thunderstorms before sunrise, but the lightning strikes will be few and far between. Any lightning is dangerous, so be advised, if you hear the rumble of thunder, take shelter quickly.

Wednesday will start out with the storms, and some rain, but by the late morning time frame the showers clear off to the east.

The Storm Prediction Center has pulled back the threat of thunderstorms to mainly the Cascades north of Santiam Pass today and have pushed the threat east on Wednesday. 

Once the showers end early Wednesday, a dry and brisk pattern arrives. Winds should start to settle down Thursday as temperatures return to the 70s after only reaching the low 60s Wednesday.

Friday will be mostly sunny and breezy with highs in the upper 60s. Saturday will be much cooler as the mercury will only hit the upper 50s. Showers may fall over the Cascades and some high elevation snow is not out of the question at times Saturday. Spotty light rain is possible to make it past the mountains Saturday, but for the most part we should see a mix of clouds and sunshine with more clouds than sun Saturday.

Sunday will be dry and breezy ahead of some spotty showers expected on Monday. Highs will be in the 60s Sunday and the low 70s Monday.

Please, Stay safe.

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