If you’ve lived in the Rose City for more than a week, you know the drill. You check the app, it says "partly sunny," and then you spend three hours squinting through a relentless gray drizzle that feels like it's coming at you sideways.
Honestly, predicting the two week weather forecast for portland oregon is less about meteorology and more about psychological warfare. As of mid-January 2026, we are in a weird spot. A massive ridge of high pressure has basically parked itself over the Pacific Northwest, and it’s being a real jerk about leaving.
The High-Pressure Lock: Why Your App is Lying to You
Right now, we are dealing with a classic inversion. For those of you who skipped Earth Science, that basically means warm air is sitting on top of cold air, trapping all the moisture and "gunk" down here with us in the Willamette Valley.
The National Weather Service in Portland has already issued an Air Stagnation Advisory through January 16. It sounds boring, but it’s the reason the air feels a bit "chewy" lately.
- The Valleys: We’re stuck in the 30s and 40s.
- The Coast Range: Weirdly sunny and in the 50s.
- The Cascades: Also sunny, making skiers very grumpy.
Usually, January is our wettest, most miserable month. But this 14-day stretch is looking remarkably dry. It's that kind of dry that makes your skin feel like parchment paper and gives everyone a static shock every time they touch a doorknob.
The Breakdown: Days 1 Through 7
Between now and January 20, don't expect much to change. We’re looking at highs hovering around 48°F to 55°F.
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Thursday, January 15, is actually looking like a "real" sunny day. Not a "Portland sunny" where the clouds just turn a lighter shade of eggshell, but actual blue sky. Grab the Vitamin D while you can. By Friday and Saturday, the northeast winds are going to kick up, especially if you're out near Troutdale or the mouth of the Gorge. Those winds are bone-chilling. They aren't high-speed, maybe 9 mph, but they’re coming off the desert and they mean business.
Nighttime lows are going to stay crisp. We’re talking 33°F to 39°F. If you have sensitive plants that you haven't brought inside yet, you’re playing a dangerous game of botanical roulette.
The Transition: What Happens After January 21?
Here is where the two week weather forecast for portland oregon gets interesting. Around Wednesday, January 21, the "ridge" starts to break down.
When that high pressure moves out, the Pacific door swings wide open. This is when the classic Portland winter returns with a vengeance. We are seeing a transition toward "light rain" and "mostly cloudy" conditions starting January 22.
Is it going to snow?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Probably not in the city.
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The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) is leaning toward "above average" temperatures for the end of January. While the East Coast is getting hammered with Arctic air, we are staying in this weirdly mild, damp bubble. Highs will likely drop back into the mid-40s, which is actually closer to our historical average for this time of year.
Real Talk on Rain Totals
Don't let the "dry" start to the week fool you. Portland typically sees about 17 to 18 days of rain in January. Even with this dry spell, we are likely to play catch-up in the final week of the month.
Expect the period from January 22 to January 28 to be a series of weak frontal systems. These aren't the "atmospheric rivers" that flood your basement. They're just the standard-issue Portland gloom that makes you want to stay in bed and eat ramen.
Why This Forecast Matters for Your Weekend
If you were planning on heading to Mount Hood, be aware that the snowpack is struggling. Because of the high pressure and warmer air aloft, the freezing level is way higher than usual.
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You’ll find better "weather" up there—meaning sun—but the "conditions" for skiing are a bit crunchy. Back in town, the air stagnation means if you have asthma or sensitive lungs, you might want to skip that morning jog until the wind picks up on Thursday night.
Myths About Portland's January Weather
There's a common misconception that if it's clear in January, it must be freezing. That’s usually true when we get "Arctic Air" from the Fraser River Valley in Canada. But this week? This is just stagnant Pacific air. It’s "meh" weather. Not cold enough to be exciting, not warm enough to be pleasant.
- "It always snows in January." Actually, we’re more likely to get our big snow events in February lately.
- "The fog will burn off by noon." In an inversion? Sometimes the fog doesn't burn off for three days. It just sits there, judging you.
- "Above average temps means t-shirt weather." In Portland, "above average" in January means 52°F instead of 45°F. You still need the flannel.
Preparing for the Next 14 Days
The air is going to be incredibly dry until the rain returns on the 22nd. Humidifiers are your best friend right now.
Also, watch out for "Black Ice" on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Even if it didn't rain, the fog creates enough moisture on the road, and when the temp hits 34°F at 5:00 AM, the bridges become ice rinks.
Once the rain returns next Thursday, check your gutters. We’ve had a lot of leaves and debris from those late December storms, and the first "real" rain of late January always finds the clogs.
Basically, enjoy the "fake spring" sun through the weekend. Come next Wednesday, the gray curtain is dropping again, and we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming of moss-growing and coffee-drinking.
Actionable Winter Prep for Portlanders
- Check Your Tire Pressure: These 20-degree temp swings between day and night will make your "low pressure" light pop on.
- Moisturize Everything: Seriously, the air stagnation and lack of rain is brutal on the skin.
- Plan Outdoor Tasks Now: If you need to clean the yard or fix a fence, do it before January 21.
- Monitor Air Quality: If you see the "Air Stagnation Advisory" extended, avoid using wood-burning fireplaces, as it just makes the valley air worse for everyone.
The current trend suggests we’ll end the month wet and mild, staying true to the "weak La Niña" patterns we've been seeing across the Pacific Northwest this season.