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December 20, 2023

Note: Weather is a constantly changing phenomenon and weather forecasting is a combination of science, experience, and intuition. The accuracy of any given forecast can chance due to unexpected changes in atmospheric conditions, so there are no guarantees the the actual weather will conform to the projected forecast.

ADVISORIES

  • A DENSE FOG ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL UNTIL NOON THURSDAY FOR THE GREATER PORTLAND METRO AREA, THE CENTRAL WILLAMETTE VALLEY, AND THE SOUTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY.
  • A DENSE FOG ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST THURSDAY FOR HARNEY COUNTY AND MALHEUR COUNTY.
  • A DENSE FOG ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM THURSDAY FOR THE OREGON LOWER TREASURE VALLEY.
  • A DENSE FOG ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON THURSDAY FOR THE NORTH OREGON AND THE LOWER COLUMBIA.
  • A DENSE FOG ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON THURSDAY FOR THE COLUMBIA RIVER BAR.

HEALTH ADVISORIES

  • A PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR UNSAFE LEVELS OF FECAL BACTERIA IN OCEAN WATERS AT BEVERLY BEACH IN LINCOLN COUNTY. PEOPLE SHOULD AVOID DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE WATER IN THIS AREA UNTIL THE ADVISORY IS LIFTED. UNSAFE LEVELS OF FECAL BACTERIA CAN CAUSE DIARRHEA, STOMACH CRAMPS, SKIN RASHES, UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS AND OTHER ILLNESSES. CHILDREN, THE ELDERLY, AND THOSE WITH A COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEM SHOULD USE EXTRA CAUTION AS THEY ARE MORE VULNERABLE TO TO ILLNESSES FROM WATERBORNE BACTERIA. VISITORS SHOULD AVOID WADING IN NEARBY CREEKS, POLS OF WATER ON THE BEACH, OR IN DISCOLORED WATER, AND STAY CLEAR OF WATER RUNOFF FLOWING INTO THE OCEAN.
  • A RECREATIONAL USE HEALTH ADVISORY HAS BEEN EXPANDED FOR THE AREA FROM THE ROSS ISLAND LAGOON TO RIVERPLACE MARINA IN MULTNOMAH COUNTY DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF A CYANOBACTERIA BLOOM. PEOPLE SHOULD AVOID SWIMMING AND HIGH SPEED WATER ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS WATER SKIING OR POWER BOATING, IN AREAS OF THE LAKE AND SLOUGH WHERE BLOOMS ARE, AS THE MAJOR ROUTE OF EXPOSURE IS INGESTION OF WATER. TOXINS ARE NOT ABSORBED THROUGH THE SKIN, HOWEVER, THOSE WITH SKIN SENSITIVITIES MAY GET A PUFFY RED RASH. THE OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO VISIT THE AREA AND ENJOY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CATCH AND RELEASE FISHING, CAMPING, HIKING, BILKING, PICNICKING, BIRD WATCHING, CANOEING, AND KAYAKING. BOATING IS SAFE AS LONG AS SPEEDS DO NOT CREATE EXCESSIVE WATER SPRAY. SPRAYS COULD LEAD TO THE RISK OF INHALING CYANOTOXINS. DRINKING WATER FROM THE LAKE IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS.
  • A RECREATIONAL USE HEALTH ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE WILLAMETTE RIVER FROM ROSS ISLAND DOWNSTREAM (NORTH) TO THE AREA NEAR CATHEDRAL PARK IN PORTLAND, IN MULTNOMAH COUNTY DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF A CYANOBACTERIA BLOOM. PEOPLE SHOULD AVOID SWIMMING AND HIGH SPEED WATER ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS WATER SKIING OR POWER BOATING, IN AREAS OF THE LAKE AND SLOUGH WHERE BLOOMS ARE, AS THE MAJOR ROUTE OF EXPOSURE IS INGESTION OF WATER. TOXINS ARE NOT ABSORBED THROUGH THE SKIN, HOWEVER, THOSE WITH SKIN SENSITIVITIES MAY GET A PUFFY RED RASH. THE OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO VISIT THE AREA AND ENJOY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS FISHING, CAMPING, HIKING, BILKING, PICNICKING, BIRD WATCHING, CANOEING, AND KAYAKING. BOATING IS SAFE AS LONG AS SPEEDS DO NOT CREATE EXCESSIVE WATER SPRAY. SPRAYS COULD LEAD TO THE RISK OF INHALING CYANOTOXINS.DO NOT DRINK THE WATER.
  • A RECREATIONAL USE HEALTH ADVISORY CONTINUES IN EFFECT FOR ARRONS LAKE, BUT HAS BEEN LIFTED FOR PETE’S SLOUGH AND STURGEON LAKE ON SAUVIE ISLAND DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF A CYANOBACTERIA BLOOM. PEOPLE SHOULD AVOID SWIMMING AND HIGH SPEED WATER ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS WATER SKIING OR POWER BOATING, IN AREAS OF THE LAKE AND SLOUGH WHERE BLOOMS ARE, AS THE MAJOR ROUTE OF EXPOSURE IS INGESTION OF WATER. TOXINS ARE NOT ABSORBED THROUGH THE SKIN, HOWEVER, THOSE WITH SKIN SENSITIVITIES MAY GET A PUFFY RED RASH. THE OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO VISIT THE AREA AND ENJOY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS FISHING, CAMPING, HIKING, BILKING, PICNICKING, BIRD WATCHING, CANOEING, AND KAYAKING. BOATING IS SAFE AS LONG AS SPEEDS DO NOT CREATE EXCESSIVE WATER SPRAY. SPRAYS COULD LEAD TO THE RISK OF INHALING CYANOTOXINS.
  • A RECREATIONAL USE HEALTH ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR AGENCY LAKE AND EXTENDED THE ADVISORY FOR THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF UPPER KLAMATH LAKE, FROM HOWARD’S BAY SOUTH TO THE LINK RIVER DAM  IN KLAMATH COUNTY DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF A CYANOBACTERIA BLOOM. PEOPLE SHOULD AVOID SWIMMING AND HIGH SPEED WATER ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS WATER SKIING OR POWER BOATING, IN AREAS OF THE RESERVOIR WHERE BLOOMS ARE, AS THE MAJOR ROUTE OF EXPOSURE IS INGESTION OF WATER. TOXINS ARE NOT ABSORBED THROUGH THE SKIN, HOWEVER, THOSE WITH SKIN SENSITIVITIES MAY GET A PUFFY RED RASH. THE OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO VISIT AND ENJOY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS FISHING, CAMPING, HIKING, BILKING, PICNICKING, BIRD WATCHING, CANOEING, AND KAYAKING. BOATING IS SAFE AS LONG AS SPEEDS DO NOT CREATE EXCESSIVE WATER SPRAY. SPRAYS COULD LEAD TO THE RISK OF INHALING CYANOTOXINS.
  • A PERMANENT HEALTH ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTH UMPQUA RIVER BAR. POOLS IN THE BEDROCK ALONG THE RIVERS EDGE ARE KNOWN TO DEVELOP BLUE-GREEN ALGAE (CYANOBACTERIAL) BLOOMS THAT CAN BE HARMFUL TO PETS AND PEOPLE IF ACCIDENTAL INGESTION OCCURS. SIGNS HAVE BEEN POSTED ALONG SEVERAL ACCESS AREAS ALONG THE  RIVER.

THE WEATHER PATTERN

An Upper Level Low Pressure Trough (“U” shape) is just offshore. The graphics for days 1-3  show no fronts ready to move into Oregon. The graphics for days 3-7  Saturday through Wednesday show multiple frontal systems sitting offshore ready to move into the Pacific Northwest.
Note: The Winter Solstice occurs at 7:27 pm tomorrow Thursday December 21st as the official beginning of astronomical Winter.

Forecast For The South Willamette Valley Including Eugene-Springfield:

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  • Partly cloudy with patchy dense evening fog, mostly cloudy with patchy dense fog late tonight,
  • Patchy dense AM fog, a mix of clouds and sun and slightly cooler with lingering fog Thursday afternoon (Winter Solstice 7:27 PM), mostly cloudy with patchy fog and rain late at night,
  • Mostly cloudy with rain Friday (0.25 in. of rain possible), partly cloudy with patchy dense evening fog and a good (50%) chance of rain, patchy fog with a slight (20%) chance of rain late Friday night (under 0.10 in. of rain possible),
  • Patchy AM fog, a mix of clouds and sun and a bit cooler Saturday afternoon, partly cloudy in the evening, then mostly cloudy late Saturday night.
  • lows 40-42 cooling to 32 Saturday night highs 49-45.
  • Mostly cloudy with a good (50%) chance of rain and a bit cooler Sunday, a good (50%) chance of rain Sunday night,
  • Cloudy with a good (50%) chance of AM rain, rain likely (70%) and a bit warmer Monday afternoon (Christmas Day), rain likely (70%) at night,
  • Mostly cloudy with rain likely (70%) and a bit warmer Tuesday, cloudy with a good (50%) chance of rain Tuesday night,
  • Then mostly cloudy and a bit warmer with rain likely (70%) Wednesday.
  • highs 42-53 lows 34-43. (seasonal averages high 46 low 34)

Forecast for the Umpqua Valley including Roseburg:

  • Mostly clear with patchy evening fog, partly cloudy with patchy fog late tonight,
  • Some AM clouds with patchy fog, sunny and a bit warmer Thursday afternoon (Winter Solstice 7:27 PM), partly cloudy with a good (50%) of evening showers, mostly cloudy with patchy fog and rain late Thursday night,
  • Mostly cloudy with rain and a bit cooler Friday (0.10 in. of rain possible), mostly cloudy with a good (50%) of evening showers, then partly cloudy with patchy fog and a good (50%) chance of rain and snow showers late at night (under 0.10 in. of rain possible),
  • Partly cloudy and a bit cooler Saturday and in the evening, then mostly cloudy late Saturday night.
  • lows 43-33 highs 55-44.
  • Mostly cloudy with a (30%) chance of rain and a bit warmer Sunday, a (40%) chance of rain Sunday night,
  • Mostly cloudy and a bit warmer with a (40%) chance of rain Monday (Christmas Day), rain likely (70%) at night,
  • Mostly cloudy and a bit warmer with rain likely (70%) Tuesday, a good (50%) chance of rain Tuesday night,
  • Then mostly cloudy and a bit cooler with rain likely (70%) Wednesday.
  • highs 47-55 cooling to 53 Wednesday lows 39-45 (seasonal averages high 48 low 36).

Forecast for the Oregon Coast including Coos Bay and North Bend:

  • Mostly clear with patchy evening fog, partly cloudy with patchy fog late tonight,
  • Partly cloudy with patchy fog and a bit warmer with a slight (20%) chance of coastal showers Thursday afternoon, patchy evening coastal fog and a (%) chance of showers and coastal rain late at night while partly cloudy with a (%) chance of evening inland showers and mostly cloudy with inland rain with patchy fog Thursday night (under 0.10 in. of rain possible),
  • Mostly cloudy with rain Friday (0.25 in. of rain possible), evening coastal showers likely (70%) and a (%) chance of coastal showers with patchy fog late at night while a good (50%) chance of inland showers with patchy fog Friday night (under 0.10 in. of rain possible),
  • Partly cloudy and a bit cooler Saturday and in the evening, mostly cloudy with a slight (20%) chance of rain late Saturday night.
  • lows 42-44 cooling to 36 Saturday night highs 60-53.
  • Mostly cloudy and a bit warmer with a (40%) chance of rain Sunday, a good (50%) chance of rain Sunday night,
  • Mostly cloudy with a (50%) chance of AM rain, rain likely (70%) and a bit warmer Monday afternoon (Christmas Day), rain likely (70%) and breezy at night,
  • Mostly cloudy and a bit warmer with rain likely (70%) and breezy Tuesday, rain likely (70%) Tuesday night,
  • Mostly cloudy and breezy with AM rain likely (70%), then rain and breezy and a bit cooler Wednesday afternoon.
  • highs 56-62 cooling to 60  lows 43-48 cooling to 46 Tuesday night (seasonal averages high 53 low 40)

Forecast for the Northern Oregon Cascades including Willamette Pass:

  • Mostly clear tonight,
  • Mostly sunny and slightly cooler Thursday (Winter Solstice 7:27 PM), partly cloudy with rain developing late Thursday night,
  • Mostly cloudy with snow and rain and cooler Friday, evening snow with a slight (20%) chance of rain, partly cloudy with a good (50%) chance of snow late at night,
  • Partly cloudy and a bit cooler Saturday, then partly cloudy Saturday night.
  • free air freezing level 9,000 ft. tonight and Thursday, snow level 7,000 ft. Thursday night, 6,000 ft. falling to 4,500 ft. Friday,  2,500 ft. Friday night, free air freezing level at the surface Saturday, then 5,500 ft. Saturday night.
  • lows 32-19 highs 47-32.
  • A mix of clouds and sun with a good (50%) chance of rain and snow and a bit warmer Sunday, mostly cloudy with a good (50%) chance of rain and snow Sunday night,
  • Mostly cloudy with a good (50%) chance of AM rain and snow, a mix of clouds and sun with rain likely (70%) and a bit warmer Monday afternoon, rain and snow likely (70%) at night,
  • Mostly cloudy and a bit warmer with rain and snow likely (70%) Tuesday, a good (50%) chance of rain and snow Tuesday night,
  • AM rain with a good (50%) chance of snow, snow likely (70%) and a bit warmer Wednesday afternoon.
  • snow level  3,500 ft. Sunday, 4,500 ft. Sunday night, 5,500 ft. Monday, 6,000 ft. Monday night, 6,500 ft. Tuesday, 6,000 ft. Tuesday night, then 5,500 ft. Wednesday.
  • highs 36-42 lows 25-33.