The National Weather Service in Pendleton has issued a Wind Advisory for Central Oregon on Memorial Day, cautioning residents about strong winds that could impact holiday plans. The advisory is in effect from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM PDT, with gusts expected to reach up to 45 mph.

Weather Conditions

Residents in Bend, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras can expect a calm Sunday night with clear skies and temperatures dropping to the mid to upper 40s. However, conditions will change by Monday morning, starting with partly cloudy skies and temperatures rising to the upper 70s to lower 80s in the tri-county area. Areas along the East Slopes of the Cascades, including Sisters, Sunriver, and La Pine, will see daytime highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s.

Impact on Travel and Safety

As the day progresses, a strong Pacific front will shift winds to the southwest, intensifying by the afternoon. Travelers on Highway 97 and Highway 20 should be cautious of heavy crosswinds, particularly those towing trailers or driving high-profile vehicles. The winds will also create hazardous conditions on the Cascade Lakes.

With Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions in place across the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and BLM lands, the strong winds heighten fire safety concerns. Open campfires are prohibited outside developed campgrounds, and drivers should ensure trailer chains are secure to prevent sparks.

Looking Ahead

Late Monday night, the cold front will bring moisture into the region, with a 50% chance of rain showers as temperatures drop to the mid-30s and lower 40s. Tuesday will see a shift to cooler, cloudy conditions with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms lingering into Wednesday morning.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by downloading the Local Alert Weather App for live radar and urgent weather alerts.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.