Oregon – A gray veil hangs over the Willamette Valley this morning as mist softens streetlights and muffles traffic noise. The air feels heavy and damp, and the chill settles in fast after sunrise. Winter conditions remain locked in early today.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, an Air Stagnation Advisory remains in effect through Sunday morning. Calm winds and high pressure trap pollutants near the surface, allowing air quality to decline. Sensitive groups may notice breathing discomfort, especially during outdoor activity.
Temperatures hovered near 36 degrees early, with mist reducing visibility in spots. Roads remain mostly wet rather than icy, but bridges and overpasses can still feel slick during the coldest hours. Drivers along I-5, I-84, and city arterials should allow extra stopping distance.
Later today, clouds dominate with highs near 51 degrees. Winds stay light, limiting air mixing and prolonging stagnant conditions. A slight chance of light rain develops late, though amounts remain minimal and won’t clear the air quickly.
Sunday starts with more low clouds and mist before partial sunshine breaks through by afternoon. Highs reach the low 50s. Even with brighter skies, air quality may remain poor in valley locations until winds increase.
Early next week trends calmer and drier. Monday and Tuesday bring mostly sunny afternoons with highs in the mid-50s. Nights stay cold, dipping into the low 40s, keeping morning mist possible.
Across the country, winter storms bring snow and ice to the Great Lakes and Northeast. Locally, the impacts feel quieter but persistent. Stagnant air affects health and daily routines more than roads.
Officials recommend limiting outdoor exertion, avoiding unnecessary burning, and using headlights in mist. By the end of January, Portland gains about 40 extra minutes of daylight, helping afternoons feel brighter. Are you noticing hazy air or low visibility where you are this morning?
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Portland, Oregon
- Today: Mostly cloudy, mist early, high near 51°F
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, slight rain chance early, high near 52°F
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, chance of rain, high near 53°F
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 55°F
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 53°F
