According to the National Weather Service, Portland residents might want to stash their umbrellas in their backpacks as they head out today - there's a chance of showers and the clouds aren't making way for much sun. The forecast, updated earlier this morning, indicates a 40 percent possibility of light rain between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., with temperatures peaking around a mild 66 degrees.
The skies are expected to clear somewhat tonight, with the mercury dipping to a cooler 45 degrees under partly cloudy conditions. A milder breeze from the northwest will join Portlanders as they tuck in for the night. But the reprieve from dreariness seems short-lived, as the clouds are set to roll back in over the weekend with a looming chance of rain.
Thursday, however, looks to be the brightest spot of the week, with NWS predicting a clear sunny high near 72 degrees, so taking your lunch outdoors might be the play. The clear skies will extend into Thursday night, only to give way to mostly sunny conditions on Friday with highs expected to tempt an almost summer-like 78 degrees.
But don't be fooled; those planning weekend activities should brace for more uncertainty. Rain could return on Saturday, with a 30 percent chance mentioned post-11 a.m., and those odds increase as the new week approaches. NWS forecasts suggest a noticeably wet pattern with rain likely Sunday through Tuesday. Sunday looks particularly glum as the rain gears up to be a more persistent visitor, setting the stage for a damp end to the period.
