PORTLAND, Ore. -- The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement warning that unseasonably cool temperatures were expected to last at least through Friday across Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon.

The coldest low temperatures of the early autumn season are expected across the lowlands of southwest Washington and northwest Oregon late this week.

In Portland, the expected high temperature for Thursday was a mere 56 degrees and 58 for Friday, with rain, too. Saturday was expected to warm up to 61 degreees.

"A weak weather system is heading for the Pacific Northwest today. Rain showers will develop by the afternoon. I don't think this system is going to give us more than .20" of rain Locally. In the mountains cold air has arrived. Precipitation above 3000ft will be in the form of snow! 2 to 5" possible. Not enough for skiiing but it's a start," said KGW Meteorlogist Dave Salesky.

Salesky added that Friday morning, the precipitation will likely come to an end and dry weather will return through the weekend.

"Temperatures will gradually climb into the middle 60s by Sunday," he said.

Homeowners were advised to protect any tender or vulnerable plants from the near freezing temperatures.