Portland, Oregon – A noticeably drier stretch of winter weather is expected across the Washington–Oregon border region next week, with below-normal chances for rain and snow from Monday through Friday.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, much of western Oregon and southwest Washington is favored for below-normal precipitation during the January 12–16 period. While temperatures are projected to run near to above seasonal averages, the lack of strong Pacific storm systems should limit rainfall totals and reduce the frequency of widespread wet weather.
The Portland and Vancouver metro areas may see extended dry intervals, with only brief, light showers possible at times. Areas along the Columbia River Gorge, including Hood River and The Dalles, are also expected to remain drier than typical for mid-January. In southwest Washington, communities such as Longview and Kelso may see more cloud cover than rainfall, while mountain snow chances appear limited outside of higher Cascade elevations.
Transportation agencies in both Oregon and Washington note that quieter weather patterns can still bring patchy morning fog or localized slick spots, especially near rivers and low-lying areas. Drivers should remain alert during early commutes, even as overall conditions improve.
The drier trend looks likely to persist through the workweek, though precipitation chances could increase beyond midweek if the storm track shifts. For now, residents should expect fewer weather-related disruptions across the Washington–Oregon border through Friday.
