
The National Weather Service in Portland issued a cold weather advisory early this morning, alerting residents of the Greater Portland and Vancouver Metro and various other Oregon and Washington regions to frigid conditions expected until 10 AM PST. A subsequent advisory will be in effect from 10 PM this evening to 10 AM PST Sunday. According to the National Weather Service, some areas could plummet as low as 20 degrees.
The advisory warns of potential impacts, such as frostbite and hypothermia, if precautions are not taken. Residents should dress warmly and cover exposed skin to prevent these conditions. The NWS emphasizes that apparent temperatures could feel as low as 25 degrees in the Portland/Vancouver metro area and even lower, 15 degrees elsewhere.
Areas that are used to slightly warmer conditions due to easterly winds near the Columbia River Gorge might see temperatures above freezing, offering a respite from the penetrating cold sweeping over other regions. With clear skies forecasted for much of the coming week, daytime temperatures are expected to hover in the mid-to-high 40s, with nightly drops back to freezing that will bring widespread frost.
The detailed forecast outlines several days of frost, both before dawn and after dusk, with the first signs of change appearing Thursday, when there is a chance of rain. The National Weather Service reminds those traveling outside to exercise caution and wear appropriate attire: a hat and gloves. This advisory comes as the region braces for a string of cold nights, with very cold temperatures as low as 20 degrees, the NWS cautions. They emphasize that outdoor adventurers should dress accordingly to prevent frostbite and/or hypothermia.