Portland residents can expect a soggy start to their day with rain tapering off into intermittent showers later this afternoon. The National Weather Service of Portland reports a 100% chance of precipitation, forecasting "rain before 1pm, then a chance of showers after 4pm." With a high of 54 degrees, the southeast wind is set to shift to the southwest and potentially gust as high as 20 mph. While today's rainfall promises to be light with "new precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible," the continuous presence of rain could affect outdoor plans and commutes.
The weather pattern takes a brief shift tonight as the chance of precipitation falls to 40%. The region largely expects increasing clouds with a low around 39 degrees, as the south southeast wind lingers at a mild 3 to 5 mph. This promises to create a slightly drier, though possibly still damp, evening.
Looking ahead, Wednesday shows signs of a typical Pacific Northwest spring scenario. According to NWS Portland, there's a 30 percent chance of showers, with mostly cloudy skies anticipated and a high of 55 degrees. Light north winds are on the forecast, providing little relief from the moisture-laden air.
By Thursday, residents can begin to eagerly anticipate sunnier skies. The NWS outlook suggests a sunny Thursday with a high near 56 degrees. Calm winds in the morning are to become north-northwest around 6 mph by the afternoon, offering Portlanders a reprieve from the earlier gray and wet conditions. With a mostly clear Thursday night and a low around 35, it sets the stage for a brighter end to the week.
The extended forecast looks promising for those eager to escape the clutches of the gray canopy that often looms overhead this time of year. Friday's forecast promises mostly sunny weather with a high near 56 followed by a partly cloudy evening. The weekend brings hints of warmer weather, with Saturday's high nearing 61 degrees, and a slight chance of rain on Sunday. As next Monday rolls around, rain becomes likely again, but Portland is no stranger to the ebb and flow of sun and showers.
