Oregon wakes under a low gray sky, with cold air settling into neighborhoods and a sharp bite greeting early commuters. Pavement feels cold to the touch, and the quiet hints at frost forming fast as winter asserts itself across the Portland metro.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, early rain chances fade quickly this morning, followed by mostly cloudy skies and highs in the mid-40s. Temperatures dip into the mid-30s overnight, allowing areas of frost to develop late and linger into early Sunday. Calm winds make it easier for cold air to pool, especially in outlying suburbs and low-lying areas.
Drivers along I-5, I-84, and surface streets should watch for slick patches during early morning hours. Bridges and overpasses cool first, and even brief moisture can freeze before sunrise. Travel conditions improve by afternoon as temperatures rebound, but the morning window remains tricky.
Sunday follows a similar rhythm. Cloud cover holds, highs reach the mid-40s, and another round of frost develops after midnight. To be fair, this stretch offers one of the calmer travel periods of the holiday week, provided drivers stay cautious during cold starts.
Monday and Tuesday bring gradual improvement, with more sunshine and highs near the upper 40s. Frost remains possible early each morning, though daytime travel stays smooth. Families returning home or heading out for end-of-year plans should plan departures after midmorning when roads warm.
Looking ahead, meteorologists are tracking rain chances by Wednesday and into New Year’s Day. That shift could reintroduce slick conditions as traffic increases for celebrations welcoming 2026.
Slow down during cold mornings, allow extra stopping distance, and watch shaded roadways before sunrise.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Portland, OR
Today: Mostly cloudy, chance of early rain, high near 46.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high near 44.
Monday: Partly sunny, areas of frost early, high near 47.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, areas of frost early, high near 47.
Wednesday: Increasing clouds, chance of rain, high near 47.
