Gresham isn't just Portland's neighbor. Honestly, it’s a whole different beast when the wind starts kicking off the Columbia River Gorge. If you've lived here long enough, you know the drill. One minute you're looking at a Gresham Oregon weather forecast that promises a mild afternoon, and the next, you’re scraping a surprise layer of frost off your windshield because the Gorge decided to exhale.
Right now, we are sitting in that weird mid-January pocket of 2026. Today, Wednesday, January 14, it’s basically what you’d expect: mostly cloudy with a high of 44°F. It’s that damp, Oregon chill that gets into your bones if you aren't wearing the right layers. We had some dense fog earlier this morning—classic Gresham—but that’s lifting.
The air is still. West winds are barely moving at 3 mph. It’s the kind of day where you think about going for a walk at Main City Park but end up just grabbing a coffee instead.
The Big Switch: Sun and East Winds Are Coming
If you’re tired of the grey, Thursday is your day. The forecast is calling for a jump to 52°F and actual, honest-to-goodness sunny skies. But there is a catch. You’ve gotta watch the wind.
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While today is calm, tomorrow the wind flips to the northeast and ramps up to 12 mph. By Friday, those northeast gusts could hit 18 mph. That is the Gorge wind talking. Even with a high of 51°F, that wind makes it feel five degrees colder than the thermometer says. It’s a dry, biting wind that clears the clouds but makes you reach for the heavy coat.
The weekend looks surprisingly solid for outdoor plans.
- Saturday: Sunny, high of 49°F, breezy northeast winds.
- Sunday: Clear and sunny, staying around 49°F.
It is rare to get a four-day stretch of sun in January. We’re in a "weak La Niña" year, which usually means wetter and cooler, but this high-pressure ridge is giving us a massive break.
What the Locals Actually Watch For
Most people check the rain percentage and call it a day. In Gresham, that's a mistake. You have to look at the overnight lows.
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Tonight we’re hitting 34°F. That’s right on the edge of freezing. If there’s leftover moisture on the roads from that 10% chance of daytime rain, tomorrow morning's commute could be slick in the shaded spots near Powell Valley.
Then there’s the humidity. It’s sitting at 94% to 95% right now. That is why the air feels so heavy. Even when it isn't raining, it feels like you're walking through a car wash.
The Long Game: Rain is Returning
Enjoy the dry spell while it lasts. By next Wednesday, January 21, the clouds settle back in. The Gresham Oregon weather forecast shows the rain chance jumping back up to 45% by Thursday night, January 22.
We’re looking at a return to the standard Pacific Northwest "light rain" cycle. Temperatures will hover in the high 40s. Basically, we’re trading the biting East wind for the consistent West coast drizzle.
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Survival Tips for This Week
Since the weather is swinging from foggy and damp to clear and windy, your house needs a quick check. The City of Gresham actually put out a reminder recently about those exterior faucets. Even though we aren't hitting a "hard freeze" (usually below 28°F) this week, those northeast winds can drop the localized temp near your siding faster than you'd think.
- Cover the spigots. It takes two minutes. Just do it.
- Sunglasses are mandatory. After a week of grey, that Thursday sun hitting the wet pavement is blinding.
- Check your gutters. Before the rain returns next week, make sure the January leaf debris isn't plugging your downspouts.
Gresham weather is never just one thing. It’s a mix of valley moisture and mountain air fighting for dominance. For the next few days, the mountains are winning. That means blue skies, cold wind, and a perfect excuse to finally go see the view at the Gresham Butte without getting soaked.
Keep an eye on the wind speeds through Friday. If you're planning on hauling anything in a truck or doing yard work, that 18 mph northeast gust is going to be your biggest hurdle. Stay dry, stay warm, and enjoy the sun while the window is open.