Weather
Pacific Northwest Weather Oct. 20-26: Colder, Wetter Before Halloween
Portland, OR – While much of the country prepares for an unusually warm stretch ahead of Halloween, a different weather pattern could unfold across the Pacific Northwest and parts of the interior West
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-13T10:05:24.733Z
Portland, OR – While much of the country prepares for an unusually warm stretch ahead of Halloween, a different weather pattern could unfold across the Pacific Northwest and parts of the interior West, bringing increased odds of below normal temperatures and precipitation between October 20 26.
The cooler pattern extends from portions of Washington and Oregon toward Idaho and Nevada, creating a notable temperature contrast with the warmer conditions favored across the Midwest and eastern United States.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, the 8 14 day temperature outlook issued Monday, October 12, favors below normal temperatures across portions of the Pacific Northwest and Great Basin during October 20 26.
For communities including Portland, Seattle, Boise and Reno, the outlook signals a greater likelihood of temperatures falling below typical late October averages, although probabilities vary by location.
Nevada Could See More Rain Opportunities Temperature changes are only part of the developing pattern.
NOAA's precipitation outlook also highlights slightly increased odds of above normal precipitation across Nevada and portions of the surrounding western United States.
The signal is relatively modest, suggesting a developing preference for wetter conditions rather than a guarantee of widespread rainfall.
Depending on elevation and actual temperatures, precipitation in higher mountain areas could fall as snow, although the outlook does not establish specific snowfall amounts or locations.
A Different Outlook Before Halloween The October 20 26 forecast stands in contrast to much of the central and eastern United States, where above normal temperatures are favored.
However, NOAA's separate Week 3 4 outlook, covering October 24 through November 6, suggests above normal temperatures could become favored across much of the western United States later in the period.
That means the cooler pattern may not necessarily persist through Halloween on Saturday, October 31.
For now, residents across the Pacific Northwest, Nevada and surrounding areas should monitor forecasts for cooler temperatures and possible precipitation during October 20 26, especially when planning mountain travel or outdoor activities.