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Evening Weather Anchor
First Alert Forecast 5-28-26 PM
Good afternoon, everyone. It’s shaping up to be an active and potentially stormy weather day across the Inland Northwest, with several weather hazards lining up through tonight.
The big story today is scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon and evening, and some of these storms could turn strong to severe. The main threats will be damaging wind gusts, isolated large hail, intense lightning, and very heavy rainfall. While not everyone will see severe weather, any storm that strengthens could quickly turn turbulent, especially across central Oregon, the Blue Mountains, and portions of the Columbia Basin.
Temperatures this afternoon are climbing into the low 90s across the Lower Columbia Basin, including the Tri-Cities area, with mid 80s expected through central Oregon and the Blue Mountain foothills. That heat, combined with increasing instability in the atmosphere, is helping fuel thunderstorm development. Moderate heat risk remains in place today, especially for people sensitive to heat or those spending long periods outdoors without cooling or hydration.
Storms are expected to fire first across central and southern Oregon during the mid to late afternoon, then spread northeast toward the Blue Mountains and eventually into portions of southeast Washington and the Upper Columbia Basin later this evening. The strongest and longest-lasting storms are most likely across Deschutes County, the Ochoco-John Day Highlands, and surrounding Oregon counties.
One of the biggest concerns tonight will be heavy rainfall. Some storms could produce torrential downpours capable of dropping up to an inch of rain in localized areas, especially along the eastern slopes of the Cascades. That raises the risk for localized flash flooding, particularly near recent burn scar areas where water can run off quickly.
Special Weather Statements are highlighting:
• Strong to severe thunderstorms capable of damaging winds and isolated hail
• Excessive rainfall concerns near the Cascade east slopes
• Gusty winds continuing Friday through the Cascade gaps and Lower Columbia Basin
As we head into Friday, the severe thunderstorm threat will decrease, but breezy to windy conditions will develop, especially through the Kittitas Valley and parts of the Lower Columbia Basin. Wind gusts could make for difficult travel for high-profile vehicles and create areas of blowing dust in open country.
So to recap:
Expect hot temperatures today, thunderstorms developing this afternoon and evening, the chance for isolated severe weather, and pockets of very heavy rain overnight. Stay weather aware, especially if you have outdoor plans later today.
And don’t forget, you can track storms live with radar, lightning alerts, and breaking weather updates anytime on the Apple Valley News Now Weather App. It’s like having a tiny storm-chasing command center riding around in your pocket. 🌩️📱
COPYRIGHT 2026 BY APPLE VALLEY NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
Evening Weather Anchor
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