On Wednesday, Portland will wake up cold and gray, with morning temperatures around 37°F at Portland International Airport and scattered rain-and-snow showers moving inland. Afternoon highs are expected near 43°F, making most lowland snow wet, slushy, and short-lived, though heavier evening showers could create slick spots on untreated roads where temperatures approach freezing.
What To Expect
According to National Weather Service Portland, a Winter Weather Advisory is posted through 4 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Forecasters expect rain and snow showers to remain likely this afternoon, with a stronger band pushing onshore tonight. Most lowland areas are in line for less than a half-inch of new snow, but a narrow band of heavier, wet snow could drop 1–2 inches between 7 p.m. on Wednesday and 4 a.m. on Thursday. Southerly winds should stay on the lighter side, though gusts could briefly reach around 20 mph in the more intense showers.
Where The Snow Could Stick
The best odds for measurable lowland snow sit in southwest Washington between Ridgefield and Longview, and in parts of western Washington County, including Forest Grove and Banks, along with the West Hills and Chehalem Mountains. Coastal and higher-elevation routes, including the Coast Range and the Cascade foothills above roughly 1,000–1,500 feet, have the greatest chance for hazardous travel, with several inches of accumulation possible in spots. Across the broader Willamette Valley, any snow that does stick should be hit-or-miss and likely to melt quickly once temperatures bump back up.
Commute And Travel
Drivers should be ready for slick patches on bridges and shaded streets this evening and plan a little extra time for both downtown routes and neighborhood side streets. If your schedule allows, heading out earlier than usual could save some stress. Transit riders should keep an eye on service alerts and rider guidance, as TriMet lists common adjustments during snowy weather. Anyone tackling longer trips over mountain passes is urged to check TripCheck before leaving and be prepared for chain or traction requirements at higher elevations.
Looking Ahead
Showers are expected to hang around through the end of the week, with daytime highs running a few degrees below seasonal norms. A brief drier window is possible on Friday before a warmer system moves in over the weekend. By Sunday, snow levels should climb to roughly 3,000–4,500 feet, which would shift most of the precipitation back to plain rain in the lower elevations.
