Central Oregon residents ventured outdoors Saturday, soaking up the sun on the latest in a string of unseasonably warm days.

Highs hit 64 in Bend and 68 in Redmond, according to the National Weather Service. Both fell short of record highs for the same date, but not by much — Bend’s record of 70 degrees was set in 1941, while Redmond’s record of 71 degrees was set in 2004.

The average high in Bend for March 7, as measured between 1981 and 2010, is 49 degrees, with an average high on the same date in Redmond of 52.

Locals who went out to enjoy the weather said they’ve been puzzled but pleased by the area’s warm winter.

Vicente Herrera, 21, of Bend, headed to Meadow Camp upstream of Bend for some fishing at a spot recommended by a friend. Herrera said he wanted to be sure he made the most of a warm Saturday.

“You gotta make it count when you get it,” Herrera said. “It could be raining or snowing.”

Charlie Hively, 30, of Bend, spent the early afternoon cruising up and down the river on a stand-up paddleboard in the Old Mill District.

Hively said he’s accepted the fact that summer is still months away, and more typical winter and spring weather could return to the area.

“I think we’ll get hit again, but it’s looking less and less likely,” he said. “Until then, party on.”

Forecasts from the National Weather Service predict continued warm weather through Tuesday, with highs in both Bend and Redmond expected in the mid- to upper-60s today and Monday, and a high of 71 predicted in Redmond for Tuesday. Rain is expected to arrive in the area late Tuesday, with high temperatures Wednesday dropping back down to 60 or below.

— Reporter: 541-383-0387, shammers@bendbulletin.com