Portland, OR — As of Saturday, December 20, long-range forecasts are signaling an unusually warm pattern setting up across Oregon in the days following Christmas, with near-record temperatures possible as the state heads into the first days of 2026.
The week of December 27 through January 2 is expected to feature persistent ridging over much of the western United States, a setup that typically favors above-normal temperatures and limits the intrusion of colder Arctic air into the Pacific Northwest. According to the Climate Prediction Center, much of Oregon is favored to run warmer than average during this period.
In Portland, where late-December highs normally sit in the mid-40s, daytime temperatures could climb into the mid-50s or even near 60 degrees on multiple days. That level of warmth would place some daily highs within striking distance of long-standing records, particularly if cloud cover breaks and offshore flow develops.
Western Oregon communities from the Willamette Valley to the coast may notice a distinctly spring-like feel at times, while higher elevations could see reduced snow levels compared to what is typical for late December. Eastern Oregon may also trend warmer than normal, though temperature swings could be more noticeable there depending on overnight cooling.
Looking beyond New Year’s Day, the January 3–16, 2026 outlook continues to lean above normal for temperatures, suggesting the mild pattern may persist into the first half of January. That could delay more sustained winter cold and raise questions about mountain snowpack heading deeper into the season.
While the warmth may be welcomed by travelers and holiday shoppers, meteorologists note that prolonged winter heat can have ripple effects on water resources and seasonal climate trends across the Northwest.
