Steady Drizzle and Gray Skies: Umbrellas Required for a Damp Sunday in Portland

A Gray Start to the Final Sunday of February

Portland residents waking up today, Sunday, February 22, 2026, will find the Rose City draped in its familiar winter blanket of clouds. As of the early morning hours, the sky remains overcast with a thick layer of stratus clouds, and the humidity sits at a heavy 73%. Morning temperatures are hovering around a chilly 42°F, though a light south wind makes it feel more like 36°F for those heading out for early coffee runs or morning walks through Washington Park.

Afternoon Rain and Rising Temperatures

The transition from morning to afternoon will bring a shift from simple cloud cover to active precipitation. Meteorologists predict that light rain will begin to move through the Willamette Valley by mid-day, with the probability of precipitation reaching 55% during the peak afternoon hours. Despite the dampness, temperatures will climb slightly to a daytime high of 50°F, aligning closely with the historical average of 51.9°F for this date. While the rain is expected to remain light, it will be persistent, necessitating rain gear for any outdoor activities.

Evening Showers and Nightly Outlook

As the sun sets at 5:35 PM, the intensity of the precipitation is expected to increase. Evening conditions will transition into more defined rain showers, with the chance of rain rising to 65% after dark. Humidity will peak at approximately 80%, and temperatures will slowly dip back toward a nightly low of 42°F. Residents should expect wet road conditions throughout the night, making for a slick evening commute for those returning from weekend trips.

Wind, Rainfall, and Regional Advisories

While there are currently no severe weather warnings or high-wind alerts in effect for the Portland metropolitan area, the region is experiencing a period of inclement weather. Here is what you need to know about the current conditions:

• Wind: South winds are expected to remain steady between 8 and 13 mph, with occasional gusts that may make the rain feel more driving in open areas.
• Rainfall: Total liquid accumulation is projected to be light, around 6 mm (approximately 0.24 inches), though this is enough to cause standing water in areas with poor drainage.
• Mountain Conditions: For those planning travel through the Cascades, a winter storm is active near Mount Hood. While Portland sees rain, elevations SSE of the city are expecting significant snow and breezy conditions with highs only reaching 32°F.

Historical Context for February 22

Today’s forecast is a stark contrast to some of the extreme weather Portland has seen on this date in years past. While we are dealing with a typical 50°F rainy day, the record high for February 22 was a spring-like 64°F set in 2002. Conversely, the city was buried under 10.8 inches of snow on this very day in 2023. Compared to those extremes, today’s steady drizzle is a return to the classic Pacific Northwest winter norm.