Thursday, March 26, 2026: Portland woke to clear skies and a chilly start, with temperatures mostly in the mid-30s (about 34°F) and pockets of frost on cars and lawns across low-lying neighborhoods. That frost should fade quickly once the sun rises, but gardeners and early commuters should plan for slick metal surfaces and brief visibility drops. Highs will top out near 57°F this afternoon, with a warmer Friday and a sunnier weekend on the way.
Morning Frost And Fog Risk
Expect areas of frost through about 9 a.m., with lows in the mid-30s and some rural pockets dipping into the upper 20s, cold enough to harm tender plants and early seedlings. There is a small chance for low clouds or patchy fog right around sunrise, particularly in river valleys and other low-lying spots, which could briefly reduce visibility on neighborhood streets. Motorists should scrape frost off mirrors and windshields and allow extra stopping distance on cold surfaces. According to the National Weather Service Portland, skies become mostly sunny by late morning and frost chances decrease through the day.
Afternoon Sun And Weekend Warmth
Sun-filled afternoons arrive Thursday, with a high near 57°F in the metro area and a quick warm-up to around 64°F on Friday. Saturday and Sunday look mild, with highs around 61°F and comfortable afternoons for outdoor plans. Overnight lows will stay cool, generally in the upper 30s, so expect chilly mornings for the next couple of days even as afternoons feel more springlike.
Coast And Boaters
Boaters should pay attention: a Small Craft Advisory is in effect from 5 p.m. Thursday through 5 a.m. Friday for waters south of Cape Foulweather and beyond 10 nautical miles, with northerly gusts near 21 knots possible Friday afternoon. Seas are forecast around 7 to 9 feet at 10 to 11 seconds through the weekend, making offshore trips bumpy for small vessels. The advisory may expand in upcoming updates, so check marine notices before heading out.
Commute And Weekend Plans
Allow extra time during the morning commute to clear frost and to navigate any short patches of reduced visibility from fog. Local transit should generally run on schedule, but for route-by-route road and closure information check TripCheck before you leave. Bring layers for crisp mornings and sunglasses for bright afternoons, a classic late-March mix for Portland.
Looking Ahead
The dry, sunny stretch looks brief, with the next chance of rain late Sunday into Monday and additional chances again midweek. Timing and rainfall amounts remain uncertain, so anyone planning outdoor events early next week should follow updates. Forecast offices will be refining the timing and any marine advisories as models firm up later this weekend.
