A brief post during this festive week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. No fun charts or maps today. Just wanted to highlight a few travel concerns as we look towards the new year.

The first area of concern is the Columbia River Gorge and Basin between Thursday morning and Friday morning. A light wintry mix of freezing rain or sleet should begin around 10AM to 1PM (from south to north) on Thursday. Freezing rain ends early Friday afternoon.

Locations I’m thinking could be impacted by ice include but are not limited to: highway 197 around Dufur, 97 near Wasco, and I-84 out towards Hermiston (maybe Pendleton), and as far west as Cascade Locks. Warmer air at the surface moves in late Friday afternoon or evening ending the threat for ice in the Columbia River Basin.

The coast is our second area of concern where higher than usual waves will coincide with the “King Tides” on Saturday. Could be decent wave watching weather Saturday afternoon, but use caution as wind gusts reach 40 to 50mph and heavy showers reduce visibility at times along our rugged coastline.

Salem area forecast

WED: Another very cold morning. Lows around 26 – 28° and highs in the low to mid 40s. Increasing clouds, but dry.

THU (New Year’s Day): Mostly cloudy and chilly. High only near 40°. Light rain during the afternoon.

FRI: Mostly cloudy with a light shower or two. Milder, high of 52°.

SAT: Showers throughout the day and windy. Wind gusts 30 to 40mph. High around 54°.

SUN: Partly cloudy with scattered showers and sunbreaks. High near 50°.

MON: A mostly dry day, but plenty of clouds around. Highs in the upper 40s.

Enjoy the extra time off for those of you who get some extra time off. Party and drive safely, and happy new year!!! 🙂