Buckle Up: Major Rain System Moves In Today, Heavy Downpours Expected Through Wednesday

Here’s the headline, neighbors: a significant weather system is moving in today, and we’re looking at pretty much continuous rain from this morning through Wednesday evening. If you’ve got outdoor plans, it’s time to pivot to Plan B.

What to Expect Today

Rain arrives after 10 a.m. and doesn’t let up. We’re looking at 0.25 to 0.5 inches of rain today alone, with temperatures hovering around 54°F (falling to 52 by afternoon). Wind gusts could reach 29 mph, so that umbrella better be secured—or consider a packable rain jacket instead, which gives you more mobility and won’t blow inside-out on you.

Tonight gets wetter. The National Weather Service is calling for nearly a 100% chance of precipitation with another 0.75 to 1 inch possible overnight. That’s significant moisture, folks. Temperatures will dip to around 40°F, so it’ll be chilly and damp. If you’ve got gutters, now’s a good time to make sure they’re clear; gutter guards can save you a headache during heavy downpours like this.

Wednesday Brings Thunderstorms

Wednesday doesn’t offer much relief. Rain continues through mid-morning, then we transition into showers and thunderstorms throughout the afternoon. While we’re not in a severe weather zone, those thunder rumbles are worth noting if you’re planning anything outdoors. Another 0.1 to 0.25 inches of rain is possible.

What to Skip This Week

Golfing? Absolutely not. Grilling? Save it for Saturday. Mowing the lawn? The grass will be soaked; you’ll just tear it up. This is a perfect time to tackle indoor projects, catch up on reading, or finally organize that garage.

If you’re heading to the Columbia River Gorge or planning any hiking, waterproof hiking boots will keep your feet dry on muddy trails, though honestly, Wednesday might be better than today for that adventure.

Looking Ahead

Here’s the good news: this system moves through relatively quickly. By Thursday, we’ll see clearing skies and cooler temperatures (with frost concerns by week’s end). Saturday looks dry and warmer—that’s your window for outdoor activities.

The Cascades are getting hammered with snow from this system (10-22 inches expected above 3,500 feet), so if you’re thinking Mt. Hood skiing, conditions will be fantastic by Thursday.

Dinner Suggestion

With rain all day, fire up a programmable slow cooker this morning with your favorite chili, beef stew, or hearty soup. Set it and forget it—you’ll come home to the aroma of comfort food without any effort.

Stay dry out there, Portland. We’ve weathered worse, and this system is actually fairly typical spring weather for us. Just gear up, stay patient, and enjoy some indoor time.