Portland woke up Wednesday, April 8 to clear, chilly skies, with Portland International Airport (PDX) starting the day around 43°F and light winds. The cold open does not last long, though, as sunshine is expected to push afternoon highs into the upper 60s, turning that frosty commute into a very workable day for errands or a quick patio coffee break.
Morning Frost, Sunny Afternoons
A Frost Advisory is in effect through 9 a.m. Wednesday for low-lying and rural spots, so gardeners should cover up tender plants and expect patchy frost in more sheltered neighborhoods. Temperatures rebound quickly, with a high near 68°F and a gentle north-northwest breeze around 3 mph. Skies stay mostly sunny into the evening, and overnight lows should dip to around 44°F, according to the National Weather Service Portland.
Thursday and Friday: Warm Then Storm Risk
Thursday, April 9 is set to be the warmest day of this stretch, with inland temperatures near 75°F while the coast hangs on to cooler readings. By Friday, April 10, the pattern shifts. The first real shot at showers reaching the valley comes mostly after 5 p.m., with the Cascades seeing the highest odds for showers and thunderstorms. Any storms that do fire could bring brief heavy rain, lightning, small hail and gusts up to around 40 mph. This lineup updates an earlier outlook, and you can check the earlier chilly-start forecast for comparison.
Weekend Outlook and Tips
The weekend takes a cooler, wetter turn. Saturday and Sunday, April 11 and 12, are on track for scattered to widespread rain, with highs near 60°F on Saturday and about 57°F on Sunday. According to the National Weather Service Portland, some spots could see a few tenths of an inch of rain on Saturday, so it may be wise to shift outdoor plans indoors or at least under cover. Coastal mariners should also note there is a Small Craft Advisory in place for the outer waters through early Wednesday morning. Keep jackets handy for the cooler afternoons and give sensitive plants a little extra protection during the coldest morning hours.
