Portland Prepares for Wet and Stormy Week with Thunderstorms and

Source: Unsplash / Marc Wieland

Portland residents better keep their umbrellas at hand this week as the city braces for a wet and stormy forecast, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Portland, Oregon. Today, rain showers and a possible thunderstorm are expected to persist, making it a day to tread cautiously on the slick streets. With humidity levels reaching 87 percent and a steady south-southwest wind blowing at 16 mph, gusts could peak up to 21 mph, forecasters say.

Temperatures have dipped to a chilling 48°F, and while highs might reach nearly 57°F, don't let the thermometer fool you – the wind chill will keep it feeling like a brisk 42°F. NWS Portland predicts a "90 percent chance of precipitation" today, and new rainfall could range from a tenth to a quarter of an inch, "except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms."

The rain isn't taking a hiatus tonight either. Showers, potentially accompanied by thunderstorms, are forecasted to continue into the evening. The mercury is expected to drop to around 42°F, though the southwest winds will slow down a notch, easing at a range between 6 and 10 mph. Still, the chance of precipitation is staying strong at 80 percent.

Looking towards Tuesday, the NWS anticipates a 50 percent shot at more showers. The skies will remain mostly cloudy, and the high temperature could warm up to about 61°F. Winds will shift from southwest in the morning to west-northwest in the afternoon, offering some relief and a hint at clearer skies come Wednesday when the weather is expected to dry up and warm to a more comfortable 68°F under mostly sunny conditions.

Portland's weather rollercoaster doesn't stop there. The latter part of the week forecasts a marked shift, with temperatures climbing dramatically. From Thursday onward, sunny skies take over, with daytime highs soaring to the upper 80s by Friday and peaking near 90 on Saturday. Night-time lows in the mid-50s suggest a break from the recent chills, setting Portland on track for a sunny and dry conclusion to the week, according to the NWS detailed forecast.