Rain streaks across downtown Portland this morning, shimmering under early traffic lights as Thanksgiving travel builds across the Pacific Northwest. The city sits at 43°F with damp roads and low clouds — a familiar November scene for commuters and travelers along I-5 and I-84.
According to the National Weather Service, steady rainfall will continue through midweek and into Thanksgiving Day. Forecasters expect a 90% chance of rain today and Wednesday, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph Thursday as a Pacific system pushes inland. New precipitation totals may reach half an inch by Thanksgiving evening, adding slick conditions for those traveling to and from family gatherings.
Thanksgiving Day will bring a high near 55°F with light southwesterly winds, keeping the region mild but wet. Occasional breaks may appear late in the day, though another wave of showers is likely Thursday night into Friday morning. For drivers heading east toward Mount Hood or central Oregon, cooler air could briefly lower snow levels near 3,000 feet — not enough for accumulation, but a reminder that winter is closing in.
To be fair, this week’s rain is typical for late November in Portland. But nationally, weather patterns are turning sharper. Meteorologists warn of potential heavy snow in the northern Plains and Great Lakes from November 25 through December 3 as a major cold front expands eastward — a setup that could disrupt return travel after the holiday weekend.
Five-Day Outlook for Portland, OR
Wednesday: Rain, high 52°F.
Thanksgiving Day: Rain, high 55°F.
Friday: Chance of rain, high 53°F.
Saturday: Chance of rain, high 50°F.
Sunday: Partly sunny, high 48°F.
