Frosty Morning Gives Way to Clear Skies Across the Rose City

Clear Skies and Cold Air Grip Portland

Portland residents are waking up to a stark, frosty landscape this Friday, January 23, 2026. While the region has seen its fair share of winter dampness recently, today offers a welcome break from the rain with wide-open sunny skies—though the sunshine comes with a biting chill. The National Weather Service has maintained a focus on sub-freezing temperatures affecting the metro area, urging commuters and those spending time outdoors to prepare for a day where the mercury stays on the lower end of the scale.

Morning: A Sharp Frost and Sunny Start

The early morning hours will be the coldest of the day. Heavy frost has been reported across the Willamette Valley, and a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through the morning commute. Visibility is high under clear skies, but officials warn of potential slick spots on overpasses where moisture may have frozen overnight.

• 6:00 AM: 27°F, Clear skies with significant frost.
• 9:00 AM: 29°F, Sunny with light winds from the east-southeast at 5 MPH.
• Conditions: High probability of frost on windshields and side streets.

Afternoon: Reaching the Daily Peak

As we move into the afternoon, the sun will continue to dominate the forecast. While the sunshine is bright, it will struggle to push temperatures much higher than the mid-40s. There is a negligible 5% chance of any stray flurries, with dry conditions expected to hold for the duration of the daylight hours.

• 12:00 PM: 40°F, Sunny and crisp.
• 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: 45°F to 46°F, Expected daily high.
• Conditions: Calm winds and clear blue skies.

Evening: The Quick Freeze Returns

Once the sun dips below the horizon, the temperature will drop rapidly. Without cloud cover to trap the day's warmth, the city will return to near-freezing levels shortly after dinner time. Residents planning to be out late should prepare for another round of freezing temperatures.

• 6:00 PM: 37°F, Clear and turning cold.
• 9:00 PM: 32°F, Reaching the freezing mark.
• 11:00 PM: 30°F, Sub-freezing temperatures for the overnight period.

Alerts and Community Safety

Due to the sustained cold temperatures, Multnomah County has announced an extension of hours for several overnight emergency shelters. These facilities are intended to provide a warm space for those lacking adequate heating or housing as temperatures remain below freezing during the overnight and early morning hours. Officials recommend checking on elderly neighbors and ensuring that outdoor pets are brought inside during this cold snap. Additionally, while the weekend is expected to remain mostly dry, rain chances are forecasted to pick up significantly early next week.