Chilly Rain and Dropping Snow Levels: A Soggy Presidents' Day for Portland

A Cold and Damp Start to the Holiday

As Portlanders wake up for the Washington’s Birthday holiday this Monday, February 16, 2026, the Rose City is shrouded in heavy cloud cover and a biting morning chill. Early morning temperatures are hovering near 38°F, though the high humidity of 86% makes the air feel significantly sharper. Residents planning an early morning stroll or commute should prepare for damp conditions, as patchy drizzle and light rain are expected to persist through the mid-morning hours.

Afternoon Highs and Changing Conditions

By midday, the mercury is projected to reach its peak of 43°F, though it will likely feel closer to 40°F due to a consistent southerly wind of roughly 11 mph. The afternoon forecast suggests a brief reprieve with mostly cloudy skies, but a 59% chance of precipitation remains throughout the day. While heavy downpours are not expected during the afternoon hours, intermittent light rain and mist will keep the city’s streets slick for holiday travelers.

Evening Forecast: Transition to a Wintry Mix

The weather is set to take a more dramatic turn as the sun sets. Temperatures will begin to dip back toward the mid-30s after 6:00 PM, increasing the likelihood of steady showers. As we move late into the evening and early Tuesday morning, the freezing level is expected to drop significantly. Meteorologists are predicting a transition from rain to a rain-snow mix after 11:00 PM, with light flurries possible in the West Hills and higher-elevation neighborhoods by midnight.

Active Weather Alerts and Regional Impact

The National Weather Service and local authorities have issued a Weather Impact Alert for the Portland metro area and the surrounding Coast Range. Key warnings for today include:

• Snow Levels: Snow levels are expected to drop to approximately 500 feet late tonight, potentially impacting morning commutes on Tuesday.
• Winter Weather Advisory: A winter advisory is currently in effect for the Cascades, where snowfall of up to 6 inches is anticipated, making mountain travel hazardous.
• Small Craft Advisory: Marine conditions remain unstable, with a Small Craft Advisory active for nearby coastal waters.

With temperatures dropping to a low of 33°F overnight, residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware and prepare for potentially icy patches on elevated surfaces and bridges by early Tuesday morning.