PORTLAND, Ore. – Gray skies are only the beginning. A powerful Pacific system is spinning toward Oregon, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds by Friday evening and continuing through the weekend. Wet leaves, pooling water, and slick roads will challenge commuters and travelers along I-5, Highway 26, and local arterials from Portland to Salem.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, today remains mostly dry with clouds thickening after midday and temperatures near 65 degrees. Showers begin to build Thursday evening, then intensify Friday as a deepening low-pressure system pushes inland. Winds may gust above 25 mph, especially along the Willamette Valley corridor. Widespread rainfall between a half inch and an inch is likely through Saturday morning, with isolated pockets higher in the Coast Range.
Friday and Saturday bring the brunt of the moisture. Thunderstorms could develop late morning Saturday, adding to already saturated roads and reducing visibility on major highways. Temperatures will fall from the mid-60s to the low 50s, and brisk southwest winds will add an early winter bite to the air.
Residents should clear storm drains, secure outdoor decorations, and keep devices charged in case of power interruptions. Those heading into the Cascades should watch for a possible rain-to-snow transition near the 4,000-foot level early Sunday — a first hint of the winter pattern forming across the Pacific Northwest.
To be fair, Portland has seen wetter weekends, but this system signals the true start of storm season. Expect a soggy, breezy stretch ahead, with calmer but cooler weather likely returning early next week.
Five-Day Forecast for Portland, OR:
Wed: 65/50 – Patchy fog early; increasing clouds, mild breeze.
Thu: 65/54 – Mostly cloudy; stray shower late, calm winds.
Fri: 61/50 – Showers increasing; breezy, rain totals rising.
Sat: 55/46 – Heavy rain, gusty winds; thunderstorms possible mid-day.
Sun: 53/43 – Lingering showers; colder air, snow above 4,000 ft.
