EUGENE, Ore. – The quiet calm over the southern Willamette Valley won’t last much longer. Clouds are thickening and the air feels heavy ahead of Oregon’s next Pacific system — a soaking, gusty storm expected to sweep across Eugene by Friday afternoon and linger through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, Wednesday’s mild calm gives way to a stronger pattern by late Thursday as a deep trough offshore pushes inland. Friday will see steady rain developing after 10 a.m., with isolated thunderstorms and gusts up to 25 mph possible by evening. Some downpours could briefly reduce visibility on I-5 between Eugene and Albany during the late commute.
Rain will continue Friday night and into Saturday morning, with a 100% chance of measurable precipitation. Highs will fall from the mid-60s Friday to the low 50s by Saturday as cooler air filters in behind the front. Breezy southwest winds will add an unmistakable bite, marking one of the first true “soaker” weekends of the season.
Rain totals through Sunday could reach one inch in valley locations, with even higher amounts across the Coast Range. Localized ponding and leaf-clogged drains may cause brief street flooding in low spots. Residents are encouraged to clear debris from gutters and plan for slower travel during heavier rain bands.
To be fair, it’s not a dangerous storm — but it’s Oregon’s classic fall shift in full form: wet pavement, mist over the foothills, and that steady drum of rain signaling the season has turned. Next week looks drier but cooler, with morning lows flirting near the 30s across rural Lane County.
Five-Day Forecast for Eugene, OR:
Wed: 68/47 – Morning clouds, then sunny; calm and mild.
Thu: 68/48 – Partly sunny; breezy late with thickening clouds.
Fri: 64/48 – Showers developing; breezy with possible thunder late.
Sat: 55/44 – Rain and wind; cooler air moves in.
Sun: 53/40 – Showers taper; damp and brisk through evening.
