Portland Braces for Rainy Weekend with Thunderstorms and Road Hazards
Hey folks, let’s talk about the weather because, honestly, this weekend is shaping up to be one of those classic Portland surprises. If you were thinking of enjoying some spring sunshine this Saturday, you might want to hit pause and reconsider those plans. Portland is under a Weather Impact Alert for Saturday, May 17, and it’s going to be a wet one.
Here’s what’s going on: KGW and their Chief Meteorologist Matt Zaffino have issued an alert due to frequent and, at times, heavy showers expected throughout the day. That means we’re looking at rain totals between half an inch to three-quarters of an inch just in the valley areas alone. And that kind of volume isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it can actually lead to water ponding on roads. So yeah, if you’re heading out, especially early in the day, be prepared for some slick conditions.
There’s also a decent chance for isolated thunderstorms to roll through. Nothing too widespread, but just enough to catch people off guard if they're not tuned into the forecast. These quick bursts of thunder and lightning could add a dramatic twist to an already soggy day.
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This kind of weather is exactly why KGW launched their Weather Impact Alert Days —to give us all a heads-up early enough to adapt. Whether it’s changing your driving routes, rescheduling outdoor activities, or just packing an extra rain jacket, a little foresight goes a long way when Mother Nature is in a mood.
Sunday, thankfully, offers a bit of relief. While the temps stay cool, with a high around 64 degrees, the chances of showers drop to about 40% and mostly before 2 p.m. So, events like the Oregon International Airshow and Sunday Parkways in Southwest Portland should still go on with minimal disruption. Just bring a light layer or two—you know how unpredictable spring weather can be around here.
Also, for anyone planning to head out on the water, keep in mind there’s a Small Craft Advisory in effect. The Columbia River could see some rough bar conditions, so boaters need to exercise extra caution.
Looking ahead to Monday and beyond, we’re not quite out of the woods yet. More light showers are expected, especially in the morning, and temps will hover in the mid-60s. But the silver lining? Later in the week looks clearer, with sunshine on the horizon and ideal temps for spring gardening. If you’ve been itching to plant your tomatoes or broccoli, this week might finally give you that green light.
So there you have it—keep your umbrella close, plan ahead, and stay safe out there, Portland!
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