PORTLAND, Ore. – After a damp Columbus Day weekend, sunshine and calmer skies will return across northwest Oregon and southwest Washington early this week. Monday’s showers will taper off, setting up a brighter, milder pattern by Tuesday morning — just in time for kids heading back to school and commuters along I-5.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a 50% chance of showers lingers into Monday morning, but skies will quickly clear through the afternoon. Winds may gust near 25 mph early before easing, leaving cooler, comfortable highs near 63°F on Tuesday and Wednesday. Roads will dry out rapidly, easing travel delays that slowed traffic during Sunday’s thunderstorms.
Forecasters note that early morning lows will dip into the low 40s by midweek, a reminder that the fall chill is settling in. Drivers should allow a few extra minutes for school drop-offs as patches of fog may form in valley areas before sunrise.
The return of sunshine offers ideal conditions for pumpkin patch visits and fall park leaf viewing through Friday. However, clouds are expected to increase late Wednesday into Thursday as another weak system approaches, bringing a chance of light showers. Outdoor decorators preparing for Halloween displays can take advantage of the dry stretch early in the week before rain chances rise again late week.
Five-Day Forecast for Portland, OR:
Mon: 57/43 – Showers early, then clearing; gusts to 25 mph possible.
Tue: 63/42 – Sunny and mild; ideal fall day.
Wed: 63/46 – Sunny; increasing clouds late.
Thu: 59/50 – Mostly cloudy; a few light showers.
Fri: 61/48 – Partly sunny; cooler breeze by evening.
