Spring continues on a wet path Monday as cool, cloudy, and showery conditions kick off the work week.
The National Weather Service expects high temps to hover around the low-to-mid 50s across the lowlands of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington much of the week.
Portland will see showers throughout the day, and a high temp of about 53 degrees. Rain amounts could total between a tenth and a quarter of an inch.
The Cascades could pick up another 1-3 inches of snow on pass roads through the evening. The snow level is at about 3,000 feet. Areas above 5,000 feet should pick up a few more inches to increase what is already a strong spring snow total at the resorts.
Tuesday will be another wet day with 50% chance of showers. Skies will stay mostly cloudy, but the high temp should pick up a few degrees to around 57. Showers will taper off by the afternoon due to a shortwave ridge crossing through the region.
A stronger and rainier system moves into the Pacific Northwest overnight Tuesday bringing heavier rain and windy conditions.
Grab a good jacket and sturdy shoes Wednesday as stronger winds will blow steady rain around gusting to about 22 mph during the day. The high will reach near 55 degrees. As much as about a half inch of rain could fall through Wednesday afternoon in the valleys. The coast could see upwards of an inch.
If you’re traveling the mountain passes mid week, snow levels will rise to about 5,000 feet on Wednesday keeping snow off the roadways. But the lower levels of the Cascades will still see rainy conditions and strong winds.
Snow levels will drop back down to about 3,000 feet behind the pass by late Wednesday night.
Extended forecasts expect Thursday to return to showers, with possible thunderstorms by the afternoon. Friday could be drier, and most models are showing a return to warmer and drier weather by the weekend.