Brisk winds, spotty rain and much cooler air heading into the weekend

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – As we close out the month of June, the final weekend will be significantly cooler than normal, and we finally may see some soaking rains. The month thus far has produced afternoon highs in the 80s and a few 90s since June 11^th, well above the normal low to middle 70s. Time for a pattern shift for a few days at least.

Thunderstorms are likely in Eastern and Southern Oregon with a few storms possible in extreme eastern Crook County later in the late afternoon or early evening.

Saturday will be a cloudy day with the chance for some off and on rain showers. A deep pocket of cold air arrives from the Gulf of Alaska this weekend and will provide us with afternoon highs in the upper 50s and low 60s. The cooler than normal pattern will also bring in precipitation which may provide a few flakes for the Cascades and Blues above 7500 feet.

The off and on nature of the rain Saturday will be more off than on across the high desert.  The mountains will be much wetter as the lifting mechanism of the Cascades squeezes out the moisture.  We are in the shadow of the mountains as most of the rain arrives from west to east, and the mountains take the lion’s share.  This phenomenon is called “rain shadow” and is why our climate is referred to as a desert.  Therefore, over the high desert this weekend we will see spotty showers on Saturday and cloudy, breezy and chilly conditions Sunday.

Sunday will see highs only hit the upper 50s to middle 60s under variably cloudy skies. Rain is still expected to fall on the Cascades, and high-level snow is not ruled out. Brisk winds are expected across the region as well.

Monday will be slightly milder, or warmer if you prefer, with the mercury in the thermometer reaching the low 70s. A mix of clouds and sunshine will define the sky conditions and we kick off the last week of June on a “below normal” note.

Tuesday will see a slight rise in the afternoon high temperature, but still only muster the low to middle 70s.

Independence Day will be dry and mild with highs in the middle 70s and breezy.  I will fine tune this forecast as we get closer to the holiday, but as of this moment, the 4^th looks pleasant and dry.

Please, Stay safe.

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