Soaking rains return to the Portland metro area Thursday as temperatures fight to near normal conditions. Despite gray skies, afternoon temperatures will climb into the mid 50s Thursday. Few dry moments will be found across western Oregon and Washington Thursday as a cold front swings through the area.
Wet weather continues to find its way into the Portland metro area this week. Warmer temperatures have sent snow elevations closer to 1,600 feet Wednesday to nearly 5,000 feet by Thursday. That's where mountain locations will keep heavy snow showers through the end of the week while coastal and valley residents see heavy rain at times.
Portland's temperatures will be far from a tropical vacation as highs sit in the mid-50s Thursday and even cooler temperatures are expected Friday. That's nearly five to 10 degrees cooler than normal for the end of March.
Warmer and drier air returns to the Portland metro area Monday. Those strong winds will help warm temperatures and help keep skies dry for the start of the week.