New long-range federal climate guidance suggests February 2026 may bring near-normal winter precipitation across Oregon, with equal chances of rain and snow rather than a dominant winter weather signal.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC), Oregon is currently placed in an “equal chances” category for February precipitation type. This designation indicates no statistically significant signal favoring either above-normal snowfall or rain-dominant systems compared to long-term February averages.
Equal chances outlooks reflect uncertainty in storm tracks and temperature variability across the Pacific Northwest. For Oregon, this suggests February 2026 could feature a mix of rain events, mountain snow, and occasional mixed-precipitation periods depending on storm strength and elevation.
Western Oregon, including the Willamette Valley and coastal areas, is more likely to see rain during most systems, though colder storms could briefly lower snow levels. Central and eastern Oregon may experience alternating snow and mixed precipitation, particularly during periods of fluctuating temperatures.
Mountain regions, including the Cascades and Blue Mountains, may still see accumulating snow during stronger Pacific systems, while lower elevations remain sensitive to marginal temperature shifts that influence precipitation type.
Temperature outlooks for February indicate near-normal conditions across much of Oregon. This temperature profile supports fluctuating snow levels rather than prolonged cold, increasing variability in winter impacts from storm to storm.
Neighboring regions including Washington, California, Idaho, and Nevada also show neutral precipitation signals, reinforcing uncertainty in how consistently winter patterns will favor snow versus rain across the Pacific Northwest.
Commuters, mountain travelers, freight operators, and outdoor recreation communities across Oregon are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as February approaches, when shorter-range outlooks will better clarify storm timing, snow levels, and travel impacts.
