Brace Yourselves, Portland: A Proper Soaking Is Coming for Thanksgiving Week

Well, folks, it looks like Mother Nature has a very clear, very wet message for us as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday. If you were hoping for a crisp, clear start to your week, you might want to adjust those expectations. Portland is bracing for a solid stretch of persistent rainfall, kicking off this Sunday and likely settling in for the long haul, right into Thanksgiving week.

Those plans for a leisurely Sunday stroll? You might want to pack an umbrella, or perhaps two, because the skies above Portland are set to open up with some pretty consistent rainfall. It won't be just a fleeting shower; no, this looks like a proper soaking that will steadily increase in intensity as the day progresses. So, if you've got errands to run or just fancy some fresh air, try to get out early.

The real downpour, the kind that makes you want to cozy up indoors with a good book and a warm drink, is expected to really hit its stride Sunday night and carry through into Monday morning. Forecasters are keeping a close eye on this system, suggesting that by Tuesday morning, our metro area could easily see anywhere from one to two inches of rain. That's a good gulp of water, even for us!

And it's not just the city getting a thorough drenching. Head west towards the coast or up into the higher elevations, and the numbers jump considerably. We're talking three to five inches, maybe even more in some localized spots, especially along the coast and in the Cascades. Plus, if you're planning any mountain trips, be aware: snow levels are predicted to drop to around 3,000 to 4,000 feet by Monday night, which could definitely impact travel over some of the higher passes. Always a good idea to check those road conditions before you go.

Looking ahead to the rest of Thanksgiving week, it seems the weather gods aren't quite ready to give us a break. The forecast remains decidedly unsettled, meaning we can expect continued chances for rain pretty much every day. While there might be brief periods of lighter showers or even a momentary lull, don't put away your rain gear just yet. Temperatures will hover in the low 50s for highs and drop into the low to mid-40s overnight. Classic Pacific Northwest, wouldn't you say?

So, what's the takeaway here? Simply put: be prepared. Dust off your trusty raincoats, make sure those gutters are clear, and embrace the fact that this Thanksgiving might just be a gloriously damp affair. It's the perfect excuse, really, to spend extra time indoors with loved ones, perhaps enjoying some comfort food and a good cup of coffee while the rain taps gently (or not so gently) against the windowpane. Don't say we didn't warn you!