Oregon – Headlights glow like embers in thick gray air as dense fog blankets the Portland metro this morning. Buildings fade quickly, and familiar streets feel suddenly narrow. Moist air hangs low near rivers and creeks, cutting visibility to one-quarter mile in spots.
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for patchy dense fog across Portland and Vancouver. Visibility drops to one mile or less, with sudden changes possible block by block. Travel slows quickly on I-5, I-84, and surface streets near the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Drivers should reduce speed and increase following distance. Conditions may improve unevenly through the late morning.
As fog lifts, skies turn partly sunny. Highs reach near 54 degrees, offering a mild February feel. To be fair, that warmth fades quickly after sunset. Temperatures drop into the mid-30s tonight, allowing areas of frost to form before daybreak. Any leftover moisture may refreeze, creating slick bridges and shaded roads.
Wednesday starts cold again, with frost possible before sunshine returns. Afternoon highs climb near 55 degrees, keeping daytime conditions comfortable. Wednesday night cools back into the mid-30s with renewed frost potential.
Thursday trends cloudier. Highs settle near 51 degrees, and rain chances slowly increase late. Valentine’s Day weekend brings a shift. Rain becomes more likely Friday into Saturday, with wet pavement and slower travel returning. Snow levels stay well above the city, but cooler air brushes the region late Sunday.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook points to above-normal temperatures building early next week. That signals a gradual February thaw across the Pacific Northwest, even as periodic rain systems continue.
Five-Day Outlook for Portland, OR
- Today: Dense fog early, then partly sunny; high near 54
- Wednesday: Morning frost, sunny later; high near 55
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy; high near 51
- Friday: Chance of rain; high near 49
- Saturday: Rain likely; high near 48
