PORTLAND, Ore. – After several days of crisp fall sunshine, Portland’s weather is shifting toward a wetter pattern by the weekend. Commuters and fall festivalgoers across northwest Oregon should enjoy the next 48 hours of mild, dry air before rain returns late Thursday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, high pressure will dominate through Thursday, bringing bright skies and afternoon highs in the mid-60s. Calm winds and clear nights will continue, keeping mornings cool but comfortable. By Thursday night, a weak front will move into the Willamette Valley, producing scattered showers that could dampen early Friday commutes along Interstate 5.
Friday will bring mixed skies and a slight chance of light rain before conditions briefly improve midday. However, a stronger Pacific system will move inland Saturday, spreading rain across the metro area, the Coast Range, and the Columbia River Gorge. The heaviest rain is expected Saturday night into early Sunday, with totals up to a half inch possible in the Portland area.
Drivers should prepare for slick roads, especially during the first few hours of rainfall after the dry spell. Outdoor plans, including pumpkin patch visits or leaf-viewing trips, are best scheduled for Thursday or early Friday.
Looking ahead, temperatures will stay near normal, with highs in the low to mid-60s through early next week. Sunday and Monday may bring lingering showers, but skies should gradually clear by Tuesday, setting up another pleasant stretch of fall weather.
Five-Day Forecast for Portland, OR:
Wed: 65/42 – Sunny and mild; calm winds.
Thu: 60/50 – Mostly sunny early; late showers.
Fri: 63/46 – Slight rain chance; partly sunny later.
Sat: 64/51 – Rain likely; cooler and breezy.
Sun: 57/46 – Scattered showers; clouds decreasing late.
