Portland is sitting under mostly cloudy, mild skies this Sunday, March 1, with afternoon highs climbing into the upper 50s and only a slight chance of light rain late in the day. Patchy fog may form overnight as temperatures drop to around 44 F. Monday, March 2 looks like a brief break, with drier and slightly warmer weather before a stronger system rolls in. That wetter system is set to arrive Tuesday, March 3 and bring widespread rain and mountain snow through Wednesday, March 4.
Afternoon Sprinkles And Late-Night Fog
Spotty, light showers are expected to pop up after about 4 p.m., though most neighborhoods will see only brief sprinkles or just stubborn cloud cover. Winds stay light and temperatures hold in the mid to upper 50s through the afternoon. Low clouds and patchy fog overnight could knock down visibility, so early Monday drivers will want to slow it down and use extra caution.
Heavier Rain Tuesday Into Wednesday
A stronger front moves in on Tuesday, March 3, with rain turning more widespread and steady Tuesday night into Wednesday, March 4. Highs Tuesday should be in the mid 50s, with periods of steady rain and south winds that could gust into the 20 to 25 mph range during the heaviest showers. Snow levels are expected to drop to roughly 3,500 to 4,500 feet on Wednesday, making Santiam and Willamette passes the most likely spots for travel-impacting snow, according to the National Weather Service Portland.
City Prep And Commute Advice
The city is gearing up for the heavier rain and the possibility of urban flooding; crews have been clearing storm drains and some sandbag locations are open. Drivers should plan on a slower Tuesday morning commute, watch for localized street flooding in low-lying areas, and be ready for downed branches where stronger gusts follow periods of soaking rain. See the Portland Bureau of Transportation advisory for local tips and resources.
Bottom line: keep an umbrella handy today, watch for fog early Monday, and plan ahead for wet, at times heavy, rain starting Tuesday, March 3. If you will be traveling over the Cascades, check ODOT TripCheck before you go and be prepared for chain controls or delays.
