Sorry, but no winner this week. Here is my weekly weather quiz question for the last time. What is a “Thermal Low.” Here is the correct answer. A Thermal Low is an area of low pressure that is shallow in vertical extent and produced primarily by warm surface temperatures. I’ll have another weekly weather quiz question starting Monday. 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.

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Advisories:

• AN AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL  10 PM SUNDAY FOR  THE GREATER PORTLAND AREA AND THE GREATER VANCOUVER AREA, THE CENTRAL WILLAMETTE VALLEY, AND THE SOUTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY.
• AN AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT  THROUGH 10 AM WEDNESDAY FOR CENTRAL DOUGLAS COUNTY, EASTERN CURRY COUNTY, JOSEPHINE COUNTY, THE EASTERN DOUGLAS COUNTY FOOTHILLS, JACKSON COUNTY, NORTHERN AND EASTERN KLAMATH COUNTY, THE KLAMATH BASIN, WESTERN, CENTRAL, AND EASTERN LAKE COUNTY.
• A Blue-Green Algae warning  remains in effect for 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 cya, notoxin 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.

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An upper level high pressure ridge ( Shaded “arch” shape) is sitting over us and will dry us out pretty much through New Year’s Day. A weak frontal system has broken through as the ridge  giving us the chance of some light precipitation. The ridge will regain strength and continue the dry weather, with maybe one exception, through New Year’s Day.

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Air Quality Index:

Eugene-Springfield: The Pollution Index is 32 in the Good category measuring Particulate Matter at HWY 99, Eugene. Data courtesy of Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA)

Oakridge: The Pollution Index is 52 in the Moderate category measuring Particulate Matter at Willamette Activity Center, Oakridge.  Data courtesy of Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA)

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Home Wood Heating Advisory:

Eugene/Springfield: (YELLOW) Burning Cautioned Against.

Oakridge: (YELLOW) Burning Cautioned Against.

The use of Pellet stoves is always allowed.

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

• Areas of AM fog, sunny this afternoon, mostly clear in the evening, partly cloudy with patchy fog late tonight,
• Partly cloudy with areas of AM patchy fog, sunny Sunday afternoon, mostly clear in the evening, then partly cloudy with areas of fog late Sunday night and Monday AM, mostly cloudy with patchy fog Monday afternoon, then partly cloudy with patchy fog Monday night.
• highs 50-55 cooling to near 50 Monday lows 34-38.
• Partly cloudy with patchy fog and a slight (20%) chance of showers Tuesday, partly cloudy Tuesday night (New Year’s Eve) and Wednesday (New Year’s Day) and Wednesday night,
• Just mostly cloudy Thursday, mostly cloudy with a slight (20%) chance of showers and patchy fog late Thursday night,
• Then mostly cloudy with areas of fog Friday.
• highs 50-57 cooling to 52 Friday lows near 38. (seasonal averages high 51 low 40)

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Forecast for the Cascades of Lane County:

• Mostly sunny today and Sunday, clear tonight, partly cloudy Sunday night,
• A mix of clouds and sun Monday, then mostly cloudy at night.
• free air freezing level 6,500 ft. rising to 7,000 ft. this afternoon, 7,500 ft. tonight, 9,000 ft. Sunday, 10,000 ft. Sunday night, 9,000 ft. Monday, then 7,500 ft. Monday night.
• highs 42-45 lows 26-29.
• A mix of clouds and sun with a slight (20%) chance of rain and snow Tuesday, mostly cloudy Tuesday night,
• A mix of clouds and sun Wednesday (New Year’s Day), just mostly cloudy Wednesday night through Thursday night,
• Then mostly cloudy with a slight (20%) chance of rain Friday.
• snow level 5,500 ft. Tuesday, free air freezing level 7,000 ft. Tuesday night, 7,500 ft. Wednesday and Wednesday night, 8,000 ft. Thursday and Thursday night, then snow level 7,500 ft. Friday.
• highs 40-47 cooling to near 40 Friday lows 28-32 cooling to 32 Thursday night.