Portland International Airport saw a gray, chilly start on Tuesday with temperatures around 37°F and light rain moving through the area. Rain and occasional snow showers are expected throughout the day, with a high near 45°F and afternoon temperatures dropping into the low 40s. Higher grassy areas may get brief slushy dustings, but valley roads should remain mostly wet.
What To Expect Today And Tonight
Rain and snow showers will continue to be the headline through Wednesday, with about a 70% chance of precipitation today and a low near 31°F tonight. According to the National Weather Service Portland, snow levels may dip to roughly 500 to 1,000 feet overnight. That gives the lowlands a small 5 to 10% shot at seeing one or two isolated spots pick up 1 to 2 inches of snow Wednesday night into early Thursday. Most actual accumulation is still expected in the Coast Range and Cascade foothills.
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in place through 4 a.m. PST Friday, for nearby mountains and foothills. New rainfall amounts look light, generally less than a tenth of an inch, but travelers into higher terrain should keep a close eye on changing conditions.
Coast And Marine Hazards
Out on the coast, the ocean is getting rowdy. Seas could build into the mid teens of feet tonight, with a Small Craft Advisory posted and an elevated risk of sneaker waves along area beaches. Those sudden, larger waves can surge much farther up the sand than expected, so rocks, jetties and drift logs are especially hazardous right now. Keep kids and pets well back from the waterline and skip the photo op on jetties and other structures near the surf. Mariners are urged to track the latest marine advisories and avoid heading out unless it is truly necessary.
Commute And Safety Tips
For drivers, the next day or so is all about patience and planning. Expect wet pavement through Tuesday and into Wednesday morning, with the possibility of icy patches in rural and shaded areas where temperatures dip into the upper 20s. Anyone heading into higher elevations should carry traction devices and check mountain pass reports before committing to the drive.
At the coast, if you see someone swept into the water, call 911 immediately rather than trying to attempt a rescue yourself. First responders have the training and gear to handle rough surf that can be deadly for untrained swimmers.
Updates
This story builds on Monday's coverage of the incoming cold, showery pattern. For context on how this setup developed, see Monday's soggy setup. We will update if advisories, timing, or expected impacts change over the next 48 hours.
