PORTLAND, Ore. —
Portland hit 62-degrees Thursday, tying January 3 and 31 for the warmest day of the year so far. The record yesterday stands at 67 degrees.
This morning begins with a mix of clear skies and fog pockets with valley temps in the 30s. I expect at least some sunshine through the noon hour here in the valley, followed by arriving rain as early as 5:00 pm but maybe not in downtown until 7:00 this evening.
Much colder air arrives behind the front, lowering snow levels to 1,500' by Saturday morning. Mt. Hood resorts should pick up a good 6" of fresh snow and maybe more.
The coast and valley tomorrow will see scattered heavy shower with hail and possible rumbles of thunder. 36-hour rain totals for Portland should at least reach .25 inches. Winds Friday evening into Saturday will be breezy at times to 25 mph.
Sunday looks to be much quieter with a few showers still expected.
A reminder that the 1,500' snow level brings possible weekend snow to the high Coast Range passes. Also, cold temperatures over the Cascades this weekend will likely keep mountain passes snow covered.
Meteorologist Rod Hill, follow me @