Portland residents can expect to quickly grab their umbrellas today as the National Weather Service reports a 40% chance of precipitation with the possibility of showers kicking in post 11 am. The city, cloaked in an overcast with temperatures hovering around 46°F, faces a relatively mild day with the mercury rising just a tad to 53°F. According to the latest update from the NWS, light winds from the southwest will gradually shift to the west northwest in the afternoon.
Tonight, the clouds persist with the chance of showers dropping slightly to 30% before 9 pm. "Snow level 2200 feet lowering to 1500 feet after midnight," the NWS warns, indicating a chilly night with lows estimating at 39°F. Those northwest breezes will push through at around 7 mph, so it might just be smart to keep the winter coat at hand.
The outlook for tomorrow isn't looking much drier. The NWS forecasts a 60% chance of showers, most likely after 11 am, with snow levels beginning at 1200 feet, then to potentially rise to 2200 feet later in the day. North northwest winds will keep things cool, but it won't be enough to fully ward off the wet conditions. A high of 51°F is on the radar for those venturing outdoors.
By tomorrow night, the likelihood of showers drops to a subtle 20% before petering out by 11 pm. The snow level is expected to hover at 2300 feet, providing a slight respite for the lower city zones. Residents will experience a mostly cloudy night with mild northwest winds shifting to light and variable, as they try to comfortably settle down at lows nearing 37°F.
The back-and-forth between showers and overcasts continues through the weekend, with Friday and Saturday both serving up a 30% chance of rain, primarily in the afternoon. According to the detailed forecast, temperatures will fluctuate modestly, reaching highs of 54°F on Friday and 52°F on Saturday. For those planning any outdoor activities, Sunday shows promise with only a chance of showers and a peek of sun leading to a high near 56°F.
As the new week dawns, Portlanders can anticipate a gradual warming trend with partly sunny skies and highs inching towards 60°F on Monday and 64°F by Tuesday. Showers may still arise sporadically, with the NWS indicating a slight chance both on Monday night and Tuesday. It's a slow climb back to normalcy, weatherwise, as the city trudges through another characteristically damp Pacific Northwest spring week.
