Clear skies and about 45°F at PDX early Saturday give Portland one last dry window before a wet system muscles in. Rain is on track to arrive along the coast Saturday morning and spread into the Portland metro by midday on Feb. 7, then turn steady through the evening. Highs will land in the low 50s, and between slick pavement and pockets of heavier rain, commuters should budget extra time on the roads.
What To Expect This Weekend
According to the National Weather Service Portland, the system will deliver widespread rainfall through Sunday, with a strong chance of at least one inch of rain across the metro by Sunday night and locally higher totals in the Coast Range and Cascades. Forecasters are calling for about one half to three quarters of an inch during the day Saturday, followed by another 1 to 2 inches in the heavier bands from Saturday night into Sunday. That is enough to trigger brief, localized ponding and poor-drainage flooding in low-lying spots.
Timing And Commute Impacts
Rain should reach downtown and the I-5 corridor by around midday Saturday and grow steadier into the late afternoon and evening, which could slow the drive home. Light south winds through the valley mean most of the rain will be on the steady side rather than hit-or-miss showers, but a few stronger bands could knock down visibility and make roads extra slick. If you have outdoor plans on Sunday, Feb. 8, expect to move them inside or at least gear up for on-and-off showers and cooler temperatures.
Coast, Marine And Mountain Passes
On the water, a Small Craft Advisory remains in effect for coastal waters through Saturday night, with the roughest seas lining up with the frontal passage. Snow levels are expected to stay above the Cascade passes through Sunday, so travelers there will mostly deal with rain. Snow levels then dip to about 3,000 to 3,500 feet Sunday night into Monday, with only light accumulations expected at pass level.
For updated marine and travel guidance, check the National Weather Service Portland.
Quick Note
This update builds on our Friday preview, now with higher confidence in weekend rainfall totals. For a recap of how we got here, read about Portland’s sunny pause before the weekend soaker rolls in. We will post more updates if warnings or impacts change through the weekend. Stay dry out there and give the forecast a quick check before you hit the road.
