Portland, Oregon – A cool, hazy dawn settles over the city as moisture hangs in the air and streetlights glow against low clouds. Pavement feels damp underfoot, and the crisp November breeze hints at the next shift rolling toward the metro just as Thanksgiving travel begins picking up pace.
According to the National Weather Service, clouds deepen through today and build into a stronger system set to arrive Wednesday night. A 50 percent chance of rain develops after sunset Wednesday, increasing into Thursday morning as the Pacific flow strengthens. Commuters and early holiday travelers along I-5, I-205, and Highway 26 should expect slower traffic, glare from wet pavement, and pockets of reduced visibility—especially near the Columbia River and the west hills.
Wednesday holds a mild, mostly sunny stretch with highs in the mid-50s, but the calm acts as a setup. By evening, models hint at a clear moisture surge capable of producing steady rain through the late-night hours. To be fair, snow levels remain far above the metro, but the return of back-to-back systems marks a noticeable Winter Tease for late November. Those traveling toward the Cascades should watch for a possible changeover to wet snow above 4,000 feet by early Thursday.
Showers linger into Thursday morning before tapering toward midday. Skies stay mostly dry Friday with a slight chance of rain again Friday night as the region enters a busier weekend pattern. Mild afternoons near the low 50s make outdoor leaf cleanup or early decorating easier before the next round of rain arrives.
More updates are expected as Thanksgiving Week travel ramps up and long-range models reveal additional Pacific waves.
Five-Day Outlook for Portland, Oregon
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 50.
Tuesday Night: Patchy fog, partly cloudy, low 37.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 54.
Wednesday Night: Rain chances increase, low 43.
Thursday: Chance of rain early, high 55.
