FXUS66 KPDT 022302

AFDPDT



Area Forecast Discussion

National Weather Service Pendleton OR

402 PM PDT Wed Jul 2 2025



.SHORT TERM...Today through Friday...With the ridge up north moving 

further eastward, the PacNW will enter a troughing pattern through 

this term. Today, Temperatures will be mainly in the 80s and 90s 

with RHs remaining in the teens. Due to the latest observations 

showing RH values lowering to the single digits and breezy to 

windy conditions for Columbia Basin, Kittitas Valley, and central 

OR, a Red Flag Warning has been issued through late this evening 

for those areas. In addition to that, thunderstorms continue 

over the eastern mountains this afternoon through evening. The 

CAMs have CAPE values slightly modest (500-800 J/Kg) with 

decreased PWATs (<0.75 inches). Given the low moisture level, the 

severity of these storms may not be very high but, slightly 

moderate enough to induce CG lightning and small hail based on 

current satellite and radar imagery. Outflow winds will also 

become breezy as well (50% confidence). Confidence increases for 

the winds with the dry microburst parameters showing an inverted-V

sounding, downdraft CAPE (DCAPE) above 1000 and steep lapse rates

(>8.0 C/km). By tonight, convective activity should begin moving 

out of our area, though may leave some lingering showers behind. 

The Cascade gaps will continue having breezy to locally windy 

conditions from the strong surface pressure gradients. There is a 

30-50% prob for gusts reaching to 45 mph or higher over the Gorge 

and Kittitas Valley. Winds have been close to wind advisory 

criteria for Kittitas Valley since the gusts are borderline 

between 35-45 mph. Winds will start decreasing later on this 

evening.



Tomorrow will be relatively quiet through the afternoon before 

evening showers arrive across the eastern mountains with slight 

chances (<30%) of thunderstorms through Friday morning. Instability 

is there but CAPE values remains modest (under 800 J/Kg) including 

low moisture, so chances on severity will be unlikely as well. Light 

showers could develop over the Columbia Basin and valley zones 

Friday evening, however confidence is low (<15%) at this time given 

the latest HREF and other guidance showing limited spread of precip. 

Temperatures will decline to the 70s and 80s across the forecast 

area. RHs will gradually recover a bit to the 20s with portions of 

the Yakima Valley, north central OR, and upper part of the Lower 

Basin having pockets of RHs in the teens for tomorrow, but will 

improve Friday. Breezy winds at 15-25 mph continue to impact the 

Cascade gaps with a 40% prob for gusts to reach 30 mph at the Gorge 

and Kittitas Valley through Friday. Friday night, convective activity 

will then move to the Wallowas, but mostly out of our area with 

winds becoming light again. Critical fire conditions might not be 

anticipated at this time. Feaster/97 

    

.LONG TERM...Saturday through Wednesday...This long term is 

characterized by long-lasting warm and dry conditions. Temperatures 

will steadily return to the 80s and higher into next week with RHs 

dropping again to the 20s and teens. Tuesday and Wednesday will be 

our warmest and driest days of this term with temps in the low 100s 

around the Columbia Basin and valley zones, leaving everywhere else 

in the high 90s. Moderate HeatRisk will start off Monday over portions

of the Columbia Basin before extending across the forecast area 

Tuesday and Wednesday with pockets of Major HeatRisk over the 

Columbia Basin, which could warrant Heat Advisories. Winds will 

be relatively light for most locations with occasional breezes at 

the Cascade gaps. Feaster/97



&&



.AVIATION...00Z TAFs...VFR conditions are forecast through the period.

Confidence in smoke reducing VSBYs at PDT/ALW due to a fire near 

HRI is low (<30%). Otherwise, widespread breezy west winds will 

decrease in magnitude overnight. Plunkett/86



&&



.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...

PDT  57  86  59  80 /   0   0   0  10 

ALW  60  86  62  79 /   0   0   0  10 

PSC  58  89  59  83 /   0   0   0   0 

YKM  56  87  58  84 /   0   0   0   0 

HRI  58  89  59  82 /   0   0   0   0 

ELN  55  84  57  83 /   0   0   0   0 

RDM  45  83  48  73 /   0   0  10  10 

LGD  53  84  57  77 /  20   0  10  30 

GCD  51  87  54  79 /  20   0  20  40 

DLS  58  85  59  80 /   0   0   0  10 



&&



.PDT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...

OR...Red Flag Warning until 9 PM PDT this evening for ORZ691-700-703.



WA...Red Flag Warning until 9 PM PDT this evening for WAZ690-691.



&&



$$



SHORT TERM...97

LONG TERM....97

AVIATION...86