Portlanders woke up Thursday to a gray, misty start, with fog hanging low and temperatures near 37°F at Portland International Airport. Visibility dropped in some of the lower pockets of the Willamette Valley, and patches of frost and localized fog are expected to linger until about 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26. After that, skies should open up to mostly sunny conditions by midday, with highs topping out around 53°F. Light west-southwest winds around 3 mph will keep things calm, but shaded sidewalks, bridges and side streets could stay slick into the late morning.
Foggy Mornings, Sunny Afternoons
The most stubborn fog and frost will favor sheltered neighborhoods and river corridors, where cool air likes to settle in and hang around. By mid-morning, that low cloud and fog cover should lift, giving much of the metro area a bright, mostly sunny afternoon with highs in the low 50s.
Out at the coast and over the higher terrain, clouds will be a bit more persistent. A weak system is expected to brush the southern Willamette Valley Saturday into Sunday, bringing the chance for light rain in a few neighborhoods, according to the National Weather Service Portland.
What This Means For Your Commute
The early mix of fog, mist and patchy frost could slow the morning drive, especially on bridges, ramps and in shaded corridors where road surfaces may stay slick longer. Drivers should plan on a few extra minutes, clear all windows before pulling out and leave more stopping distance than usual.
Transit riders may see minor delays as buses and trains navigate reduced visibility. Before heading out, it is a good idea to check TriMet service alerts. Cyclists should watch for slick metal surfaces such as rails, as well as damp leaves on quieter streets that can turn an easy corner into an unwanted skid.
Coast And Boaters
Conditions on the water are expected to get rougher into the weekend. A northwest swell Friday into Saturday could raise significant wave heights to around 8 to 10 feet. NNE gusts may climb to about 20 to 28 knots over the outer waters Saturday night.
Small-craft operators are advised to steer clear of exposed waters during that period, and beachgoers should give jetties and rocks plenty of space when the surf is running higher. Anyone planning to head offshore should check the latest marine forecasts before leaving the dock.
Looking Ahead
Thursday night is expected to turn mostly cloudy with a low near 35°F. There is a brief window for patchy frost in the early hours of Friday, around 3 to 4 a.m. on Feb. 27, 2026.
A few light showers are possible Saturday into Sunday, mainly south of Salem, but early next week looks drier and warmer. Highs are projected to climb into the upper 50s to around 60°F by Tuesday, March 3, 2026, so anyone with outdoor plans may want to keep an eye on updated forecasts and maybe start thinking about where they stashed the sunglasses.
