PORTLAND, Ore. – A gray dawn settles over Portland this Thursday morning, the air still and cool before the next Pacific system charges inland. The calm won’t last long. By Friday, steady rain and breezy winds will take hold, marking the start of a wetter, more typical late-October stretch across the Willamette Valley.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, light sprinkles may develop Thursday evening, but the real soaking begins Friday morning and intensifies through midday. Expect widespread rain and south winds gusting 15–25 mph, especially along exposed areas of I-5 and near the West Hills. Total rainfall could reach an inch or more by Saturday morning, with heavier amounts in the Coast Range.
Friday’s commute may feature slick pavement and low visibility, particularly during heavier bursts of rain. The combination of wet leaves and pooling water could lead to slower travel in downtown and on the Sunset Highway. Power flickers are possible in breezier pockets near Gresham and Troutdale.
The weekend stays damp and cool, with highs in the 50s and on-and-off showers through Sunday. The Cascades may even see their first dusting of snow near 5,000 feet, signaling that the winter transition is beginning across higher terrain.
Looking into early next week, brief breaks in rainfall may arrive Monday, though models hint at another front by Tuesday night. After several dry weeks, Portland’s familiar rhythm returns — umbrellas out, lights on early, and rain tapping steadily against windows as fall reclaims the Northwest.
Five-Day Forecast for Portland, OR:
Thu: 65/54 – Mostly cloudy; calm start, mild.
Fri: 61/49 – Rain increasing; breezy afternoon.
Sat: 55/45 – Showers and gusty winds; cooler.
Sun: 53/43 – Showers likely; gray skies persist.
Mon: 58/44 – Mostly cloudy; light rain returns late.
