Portland is stuck under the gray lid again on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with a chilly start in the upper 30s and midday temperatures only clawing their way into the upper 40s. A chance of rain and a brief rain-snow mix after 10 a.m. will keep roads damp into the afternoon, with the high topping out near 52°F. The real plot twist shows up Monday, March 16, when a sharp warm-up is expected to send daytime highs into the mid-60s.
What To Expect Today
Light rain is possible after 10 a.m. Sunday, with the best shot at steadier showers along the coast and the far northwest edge of the metro area. Most Portland neighborhoods should only see light, spotty showers. Temperatures stay on the cool side, with highs around 52°F, and northeast winds near 5 mph mean any wintry mix should be short-lived and mainly limited to higher elevations or the city’s outer hills.
According to NWS Portland, precipitation chances tick up a bit Sunday evening north of the metro, although amounts still look light through the day.
Monday Warmup, Then Rain Returns
Monday, March 16, 2026, looks like a completely different season, with highs near 66°F and only a slight chance of an afternoon shower. It is a quick shift toward springlike conditions that could help thaw out leftover saturated soils from the recent soaking.
The break is short-lived. Rain is likely again Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs near 61°F and more persistent showers through midweek. If you are trying to squeeze in yard work, errands, or a long walk, Monday afternoon is your best bet for a relatively dry window before the next round of wet weather rolls in.
Marine And Boating
Boaters get a heads-up starting Monday evening. A Small Craft Advisory is in the forecast beginning at 5 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2026, and continuing into the early hours of Wednesday for coastal waters and the Columbia River Bar. Seas are expected to build toward 8 to 10 feet, with gustier southerly winds developing Monday night into Tuesday. Small vessels are advised to use caution or delay trips until conditions calm down.
The National Weather Service has posted advisories for the affected marine zones, so mariners should check the latest details before heading out.
Local Context
This quieter pattern follows a recent atmospheric river that left some area rivers still in action, although they are now trending lower as drier air moves in. The earlier wet spell and lowland snow flirtation were covered in a previous forecast, so if you missed it, see rain soaks Portland for background on flooding concerns and travel tips. As always, keep an eye on updated forecasts and advisories before making plans this week.
