KPTV Forecast: Evening Rain Hits Portland Friday, More Wet Days Next Week

A band of steady rain is expected to reach the Portland metro area just before sunset on Friday, according to KPTV meteorologists. The weather team reported that the front will persist until approximately 11 p.m., marking the start of a wetter period for the Pacific Northwest.

Forecasters anticipate rainfall totals between one-third and one-half inch during Friday evening. Snow levels are currently positioned too high to produce snowfall on the Cascades, leaving the mountains dry for this specific system.

The rain timing has accelerated for the upcoming weekend. Saturday will remain partly cloudy and dry through the late afternoon. A second system will move through the region in the late evening, bringing precipitation that continues into early Sunday. Most showers are projected to clear by Sunday sunrise, leaving highs in the upper 50s and low 60s.

Next week begins with a wet start. The second half of Monday is expected to be rainy as the first atmospheric river of the season arrives. This system, also referred to as a pineapple express, will linger through Tuesday evening. While the rain is expected to be light, the total accumulation could reach around one inch.

The atmospheric river is primarily tracking toward British Columbia and Washington, meaning the area will only experience the lower portion of the system. The jet stream is trending slightly north for the second half of the week, suggesting mainly dry conditions. However, a minor shift in position could place the region back into the main band of rain.

Social media reports of a massive storm bringing heavy rain and strong winds are being monitored by forecasters. The core of that system is currently expected to stay offshore. While rain is likely later next week into the following weekend, widespread damaging impacts are not anticipated at this time.