EUGENE, Ore. – A soggy stretch is set to soak western Oregon through the weekend as a Pacific system keeps steady rain and cooler air locked over the Willamette Valley. Showers could create slick travel on I-5 and dampen Saturday outdoor plans before drier, milder air builds in by Columbus Day.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, periods of rain and a few isolated thunderstorms will continue today and Saturday. Rainfall totals may top a half-inch in parts of Lane County, with the steadiest rain expected from midmorning Saturday into Saturday night. Winds remain light but gusts near 15 mph are possible in exposed areas.
Drivers should plan extra time along I-5 between Cottage Grove and Salem, where reduced visibility and ponding could cause minor slowdowns. The Oregon Department of Transportation advises motorists to check tripcheck.com before traveling and to keep headlights on during rainfall.
By Sunday, lighter showers taper off, leaving behind cooler highs in the 50s. Forecasters expect a noticeable warmup for Columbus Day, when sunshine pushes highs back into the lower 80s — a brief taste of early fall warmth before another front moves inland midweek.
Residents planning fall events or pumpkin patch visits will find improving conditions Monday and Tuesday before another slight chance of showers returns Wednesday. Keep rain gear handy through the weekend and enjoy the return of sunshine early next week.
Five-Day Forecast for Eugene, OR:
Fri: 62/51 – Showers, possible thunder late; steady rain develops.
Sat: 59/46 – Rain most of day; breezy south winds.
Sun: 57/45 – Rain ending early; cooler, mostly cloudy.
Mon (Columbus Day): 81/45 – Sunny, mild; great for outdoor plans.
Tue: 86/40 – Sunny and warm; dry stretch begins.
