Portland, OR – The Pacific Northwest may get an early taste of winter this year, with snow returning to the Cascades and higher passes well before Thanksgiving. According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC), a series of cool, wet systems are expected to track through Washington and Oregon in early to mid-November.
NOAA’s October 24, 2025, forecast highlights above-normal precipitation and near- to below-normal temperatures across the region. That combination raises the odds for mountain snow and slushy travel conditions on routes like Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, and Santiam Pass.
While the I-5 corridor will mostly see rain, forecasters note that colder air behind mid-month systems could bring snow levels dropping to 2,500–3,000 feet, possibly lower during overnight hours. Travelers heading into the mountains before Thanksgiving are urged to monitor forecasts closely as conditions can shift quickly.
The Pacific Northwest looks to be among the first regions to transition fully into winter mode, with steady rain in valleys and snow in the Cascades setting up early-season travel challenges.
