_______________

Here is my new weekly weather quiz question. What is a “storm surge?” Please remember to post your answer as a comment by clicking on “no comments /comments” in the upper right hand portion of this page under the caption, then add your comment. The first person to post the correct answer will win a week of free personalized weather forecasts tailored to your needs. The answer has to be a comment to win. An email answer will not count. Good luck.

________________

Advisories:

• A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM THIS EVENING UNTIL 8 AM TUESDAY FOR THE NORTH OREGON COAST AND THE COAST RANGE OF OREGON.
•  A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING UNTIL 1 PM TUESDAY FOR THE GREATER PORTLAND/VANCOUVER AREA AND THE CENTRAL WILLAMETTE VALLEY.
• A FREEZE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING UNTIL 8 AM TUESDAY FOR THE SOUTH CENTRAL OREGON COAST AND THE CURRY COUNTY COAST.
• AN AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM THURSDAY FOR CENTRAL DOUGLAS COUNTY, EASTERN CURRY COUNTY, JOSEPHINE COUNTY, THE SOUTH OREGON CASCADES, THE SISKIYOU MOUNTAINS, THE KLAMATH BASIN, NORTHERN AND EASTERN KLAMATH COUNTY, AND WESTERN, CENTRAL  AND EASTERN LAKE COUNTY.
• A Blue-Green Algae warning  has been cancelled for Tenmile Lakes in Coos County, but continues for Fern Ridge Reservoir, Lost Creek Lake, and Willow Creek Reservoir (NE Oregon). Water monitoring has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae that can produce toxins, state public health officials said. The algae levels are likely associated with dangerous cyanotoxin concentrations in the water that can be harmful to humans and animals. Swallowing or inhaling water droplets, as well as skin contact with water, should be avoided according to the authorities.

________________

An upper level high pressure ridge (Shaded “Arch” shape) has moved just a touch to the east which will modify the cold northerly air that has been helping us set record lows and come to within two degrees of tying Eugene’s all-time record low of -12 set on December 8, 1972. The snow storm is over but snow will stay on the ground for a while yet due to the very cold temperatures. Please drive slower and don’t make any sudden moves as your vehicle could start to skid. A surface low will ride south along the coast and might help produce some precipitation.

________________

Air Quality Index:

Eugene-Springfield: The Pollution Index is 116 in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category measuring Particulate Matter at HWY 99, Eugene. Data courtesy of Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA)

Oakridge: The Pollution Index is 119 in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups  category measuring Particulate Matter at Willamette Activity Center, Oakridge.  Data courtesy of Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA)

___

Home Wood Heating Advisory:

Eugene/Springfield: (YELLOW) Burning Cautioned Against.

Oakridge: (YELLOW) Burning Cautioned Against.

Pellet stoves are always allowed.

________________

Forecast for the Southern and lower Mid Willamette Valley including Eugene-Springfield and Albany-Corvallis:

• Mostly cloudy with a slight (20%) chance of isolated snow showers and areas of freezing fog late tonight,
• Mostly cloudy with areas of AM freezing fog and a slight (20%) chance of AM snow showers, mostly cloudy Tuesday afternoon, areas of freezing fog again late Tuesday night,
• Areas of AM freezing fog, a mix of clouds and sun Wednesday, mostly cloudy at night,
• Cloudy with a good (50%) chance of AM rain and a slight (20%) chance of freezing rain,  rain with a slight (20%) chance of freezing rain Thursday afternoon, then rain with a slight (20%) chance of freezing rain late Thursday night.
• lows 18-37 highs 28-36.
• Cloudy with a good (50%) chance of rain Friday, a (40%) chance of rain Friday night,
• Cloudy with a good (50%) chance of rain Saturday and Saturday night,
• Rain likely (60%) Sunday, partly cloudy with a (30%) chance of rain Sunday night,
• Then a mix of clouds and sun with a (30%) chance of rain Monday.
• highs 44-48 cooling to near 45 Monday lows near 38. (seasonal averages high 46 low 34).

_________________

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

• Clear this evening, partly cloudy late tonight,
• Mostly cloudy Tuesday and Tuesday night,
• Partly cloudy Wednesday AM, mostly cloudy in the afternoon and Wednesday night.
• lows 28-43 highs 47-50.
• Mostly cloudy with a good (50%) chance of AM rain and light freezing rain, rain likely (70%) Thursday afternoon, cloudy with  rain Thursday night,
• Mostly cloudy with a (40%) chance of rain Friday through Sunday night,
• Then partly cloudy with a slight (20%) chance of rain Monday.
• highs 50-53 lows near 40. (seasonal averages high 51 low 40)

________________
Forecast for the Cascades of Lane County:

• Partly cloudy with a slight (20%) chance of isolated snow showers late tonight,
• A slight (20%) chance of isolated snow showers Tuesday AM, a mix of clouds and sun in the the afternoon, just mostly cloudy in the evening, mostly clear late Tuesday night,
• Partly cloudy just a bit warmer Wednesday and in the evening, mostly cloudy Wednesday night,
• Mostly cloudy with a slight (20%) chance of AM rain and snow Thursday afternoon, rain or light sleet likely  (70%) Thursday, rain and snow at night.
•  free air freezing level at the surface this AM, snow level at the surface this afternoon, then free air freezing level at the surface tonight through Wednesday night.
• lows 19-29 highs 27-34.
• Cloudy with a good (50%) chance of rain and snow Friday, a (40%) chance of rain and snow at night,
• Cloudy with a good (50%) chance of rain and snow Saturday and Saturday night,
• Mostly cloudy with a good (50%) chance of rain Sunday, partly cloudy with a (40%) chance of rain at night,
• Then a mix of clouds and sun with a (30%) chance of rain Monday.
• snow level 4,500 ft. Friday, 5,000 ft. Friday night, 4,500 ft. Saturday, 7,000 ft. Saturday night and Sunday,
• Then a mix of clouds and sun with a (30%) chance of rain Monday.
• highs 36-39 lows 29-34.