Portland is waking up to a chilly, drippy start on Thursday, April 2, 2026, with light rain falling across much of the city and temperatures near 43°F at Portland International Airport. Showers are expected to hang around through mid-afternoon before easing up, and highs should climb into the mid-to-upper 50s. Late Thursday night into Friday morning, a Frost Advisory and a Freeze Watch bring the threat of sub-freezing temperatures in low-lying valleys and foothills, so gardeners will want to protect tender plants.
Afternoon Commute: Wet Roads, Gradual Clearing
Rain showers are likely before 3 p.m., paired with west-southwest winds of 6 to 10 mph and gusts up to 18 mph that could make the afternoon commute slower and a bit slick. Conditions should trend drier later in the afternoon, with more breaks of sun and a high near 57°F. For the latest timing, advisories and warnings, check the National Weather Service.
Cascade Passes: Heavy Snow Keeps Travel Tricky
Up in the Cascades, significant mountain snow continues through Thursday morning, with Winter Storm Warnings and advisories still in effect and periods of moderate to heavy snowfall expected at the passes. Snowfall rates near or above an inch per hour may create hazardous travel. If you are planning to head over Santiam or Willamette Pass, delay your trip if you can, carry chains and keep an eye on ODOT/TripCheck for real-time restrictions. We broke down this system in an earlier storm preview yesterday.
Late Night Freeze Risk For Valleys And Foothills
Clearing skies and light winds overnight will set the stage for radiational cooling. A Freeze Watch is in place for the Upper Hood River Valley, parts of the southern Willamette Valley and some Cascade foothills for Thursday night into Friday morning, while a broader Frost Advisory runs from 9 p.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday for other lowland and valley areas. Temperatures could slip into the low 30s in sheltered spots, so it is a good idea to move vulnerable outdoor plants indoors and cover exposed pipes where possible.
Weekend Outlook: From Drizzle To Springlike Warmth
High pressure builds from Friday through Monday, ushering in dry weather and a solid warm-up: sunny skies Friday with highs in the low 60s, then 70s inland by Saturday and into next week, with highs near 74 to 75°F on Sunday and Monday. The pattern looks mostly dry through Monday, though a weak trough could bring a slight chance of light showers on Tuesday.
On the roads, slow down on wet pavement this afternoon, watch for standing water and give yourself extra time for commutes. Before heading into the Cascades, monitor the National Weather Service and ODOT TripCheck for the latest updates.
