Christmas in Portland has been wrapped in a wet blanket this year, and it doesn't look like the skies are clearing anytime soon. According to the National Weather Service in Portland, rain is expected to continue pouring down on the city, with a hundred percent chance of precipitation and several new systems moving in to keep umbrellas up and gutters busy. This Christmas Day, residents saw rain, with new precipitation amounts of a quarter to half an inch possible, and temperatures hovering around a mere 48 degrees.
Tonight's forecast says that rain will persist, with temperatures rising slightly to 48 by 10:00 P.M. and winds picking up, gusting as high as 34 mph. The rain keeps coming with an equally persistent chance of precipitation at a hundred percent and new precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible as the south-southeast wind moves between 17 to 22 mph after midnight, ensuring a gusty and drenched night.
Looking ahead into the week, the weather service is calling for showers and possible thunderstorms on Thursday. With steady temperatures on Friday, more of the same with rain followed by showers and breezy conditions are in the forecast. The likelihood of a wet week continues with chances of precipitation remaining firm at a hundred percent, as the south-southwest winds keep the stormy conditions alive.
Saturday will bring more showers during the day before likely transitioning to rain in the evening with a high near 52, then on Sunday, residents will face rain before 10:00 A.M. and showers afterward. Such is the pattern as the city moves into next week, with showers and mostly cloudy skies forecast for Monday and a continuance of likely showers by Tuesday.
While most Pacific Northwesterners are no strangers to rainfall, this extended period of wet weather does raise concerns. The Hydrologic Outlook issued by the National Weather Service warns of rises in rivers and creeks, beginning Wednesday and running through the weekend. They estimate a 15-30% probability of rivers reaching minor flood stage in the coming days. Citizens are advised to monitor updates and stay aware of any flood watches or warnings.
