Much needed rainfall today and into the weekend

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – It has been a long time coming, “wetting rains” are here. We have had some isolated thunderstorms and some impressive heavy rainfall events, but nothing too beneficial. Today and into the weekend steady and soaking rains are in the forecast.

Along with the rain today will be very gusty winds. Gusts near 30 mph this afternoon are likely as the wet pattern arrives. The rainfall estimates for today are around 0.25 – 0.75” across the region. This will in no way fill the reservoirs or extinguish any fires, but it will help in suppression efforts.

The rain is likely to taper off after sunset and we should see a few showers return Thursday. The chance for an isolated thunderstorm is not off the table Thursday or Friday, but not the dominant feature for the day.

High temperatures will be significantly lower than normal today and the rest of the week, only reaching the low to middle 60s. Normal highs for early September are the upper 70s to low 80s in Central Oregon. The cooler than normal pattern will linger through the rest of the week and through the holiday weekend.

Expect to see scattered showers on Thursday as this rainy pattern persists.  The rain will be off and on with a slight chance for a rogue thunderstorm.  Winds will be noticeable as well, but not as robust as today.

Friday will be rainy as well with scattered showers and a few thunderstorms. Highs remain in the 60s most locations as the wetting nature of the showers continue to help suppression efforts of our firefighters.

Saturday will be the least active with respect to rain. Mostly cloudy skies are forecast along with highs in the upper 60s. Labor Day Weekend is not looking very sunny, and Saturday will kick it off with a mix of clouds and sun.

Sunday brings back more rain and isolated storms. The rain will be fairly widespread throughout Central Oregon and highs remain in the 60s.

Labor Day will be salvaged as far as sunshine is concerned. Highs will top out in the low 70s and the chance for rain will only exist around sunrise.  Partly cloudy skies are expected Monday so the soaking rains will have ended.

We really need the rain, so enjoy the cooler and breezy conditions.

Please, Stay safe and smart.

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