Increasing Thunderstorm Risk Over Central and Northeast Oregon This Weekend

Tonight through Sunday:

Expect hot and dry conditions to continue today, thanks to high pressure in the area. However, a small weather disturbance off the southwest Oregon coast is bringing some instability. This could lead to isolated thunderstorms developing late this afternoon and evening in parts of southwest and central Oregon. After sunset, storms should die down, leaving mostly clear skies except for some smoke. Air Quality Could be impacted. Look for mild overnight lows in the 50s.

Late Saturday into Sunday, the disturbance will move inland, bringing another chance (15-20%) of thunderstorms, especially in central and northeast Oregon. Temperatures will stay hot on Saturday, though smoke may impact high temperatures in some areas. A slight cooling trend is expected on Sunday as the disturbance weakens the high-pressure system, bringing more clouds. Fire danger remains high due to dry fuels and potential thunderstorms, especially in the mountains and foothills.

Monday through Friday:

Dry and breezy weather will continue early in the week, with highs in the low 90s in the Columbia Basin and 80s elsewhere on Monday. A cooling trend will begin Tuesday, bringing below-normal temperatures midweek. Winds will pick up, especially through the Cascade Gaps, with gusts up to 30 mph. Showers may develop by Tuesday night in the Cascades, eastern Blue Mountains, and Wallowas, with a slight chance of thunderstorms.

By Wednesday and Thursday, a low-pressure system could bring more showers and thunderstorms to the region, though instability is expected to be low, meaning storm activity may be limited. Winds will stay gusty, especially along the Cascades. As the system moves out of the area by late Thursday or Friday, expect lingering showers in the eastern Blue Mountains and Wallowas, with dry conditions elsewhere. A high-pressure system will then bring warmer temperatures back to the 70s and 80s by Friday.

Have a great weekend!

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