So, you stepped outside this morning and felt that bite, right? It's currently 37°F in Portland, and honestly, it feels a lot colder than the thermometer says. Thanks to a persistent east wind coming off the Columbia River Gorge at 12 mph, the real-feel temperature is hovering right around 30°F. It’s that classic Rose City winter trick where the sky looks decent but the air wants to freeze your nose off.
We aren't exactly buried in snow—there's only a 5% chance of rain tonight—but the air is thick with 76% humidity. It’s a damp, "gets into your bones" kind of cold. If you’re heading out, you’ve definitely gotta grab the heavy coat.
The Gorge is Basically an Air Conditioner Right Now
The big story for weather in portland oregon right now isn't actually rain, which is a bit of a plot twist for January. Instead, we’re dealing with a massive "subsidence inversion."
Basically, high pressure is sitting over the region like a heavy lid. This is trapping the cold air in the Willamette Valley while the mountains are actually enjoying much warmer conditions. If you headed up to 2,000 feet right now, you’d probably be shedding layers. Down here? We're stuck in the chilly basement.
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The National Weather Service has issued an Air Stagnation Advisory starting at 7 PM tonight. Since the wind is expected to die down later, all the gunk—smoke, exhaust, dust—just sits there. If you have asthma or just sensitive lungs, maybe skip the evening jog.
What to Expect for the Rest of Saturday
Today won't be a total washout. Far from it.
- The High: We’re looking at a peak of 47°F this afternoon.
- The Vibe: Mostly sunny skies, which is a rare January win.
- The Catch: That wind isn't going anywhere yet. It's coming from the northeast, keeping things brisk even when the sun is out.
The overnight low will drop back to 36°F. Interestingly, while the day stays dry, there is a tiny 5% chance of a stray snowflake or light snow shower late tonight as the moisture levels shift. Don't go buying a sled just yet—it's mostly just a "maybe" in the forecast.
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Why This January Feels Weird
Normally, Portland in January is just one long, grey drizzle. But we are currently in a La Niña pattern. Historically, La Niña years in the Pacific Northwest are "all or nothing" events. Some years, like 2022-23, we get hammered with 60+ inches of mountain snow. Other years, like what we're seeing right now, stay surprisingly dry and stagnant.
The experts at the Climate Prediction Center noted that we have about a 75% chance of transitioning to a neutral ENSO pattern by spring. What that means for you: enjoy the sun while it's here, because the "Big Dark" usually finds a way to return with a vengeance in February.
Staying Ahead of the Chill
If you're driving tonight, be careful in the "gap" areas. Places like Troutdale and East Portland are still seeing gusts that can hit 25-45 mph. That’s enough to blow a light SUV around on the I-84.
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Also, keep an eye on your plants. With a clear sky tonight and temperatures dipping near freezing, we might see some localized frost.
Next Steps for Your Day:
Check the air quality levels before lighting your fireplace tonight, as the Air Stagnation Advisory means wood burning might be restricted to keep the valley air breathable. If you're planning a hike, stick to the lower elevations to avoid the gusty winds, or head high enough to break through the inversion and find that "hidden" warmth above the clouds.