Oregon woke up this morning to the kind of cold that makes you reconsider all your life choices. Western Oregon is dealing with sub-freezing temps, while Eastern Oregon decided to go full overachiever and drop well below zero. The cold isn’t leaving anytime soon, with weather advisories sticking around through noon today and returning tonight like an unwanted sequel.
And because plain old cold isn’t chaotic enough, freezing rain and sleet are planning to show up overnight in Western Oregon. The National Weather Service says precipitation will roll into the Portland metro area by early Thursday morning, starting as a delightful mix of snow and freezing rain. Then, as temperatures rise (because why not?), it’ll transition to freezing rain during the day. So, if you thought your Thursday morning commute would be fun, think again—it’s going to be a slip-and-slide special.
Cold Weather Advisories and Extreme Cold Warnings have been issued for the area. Be prepared for these colder temperatures by taking proper precautions to maintain warmth. Frostbite and hypothermia may occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. pic.twitter.com/MqwhlpP3NU
— NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) February 12, 2025
A winter storm watch is in effect for the central and southern Willamette Valley and the Coast Range through Friday morning, while the northern Willamette Valley, including Portland, gets a winter weather advisory. Expect snow, sleet, freezing rain, and ice—basically, all the worst options in the winter weather catalog. Don’t rule out a surprise sleet appearance either, because Oregon weather just loves to keep things interesting.
By Friday, the freezing rain should morph into plain old rain—likely just in time to melt the carefully crafted ice rink that was once your driveway. Until then, check TripCheck.com for updates and maybe think twice before heading out unless you’re in the mood for an icy adventure. Stay warm, Oregon—and don’t forget to laugh at the absurdity of it all while sliding to your car.
With freezing rain in the forecast, now’s the time to get ahead of the weather and start preparing! Make sure you have emergency supplies ready for both your home and car, check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re functioning properly, and don’t forget to replenish fuel for your vehicle and any heating sources. A little preparation now can save a lot of headaches when the ice and snow arrive. Stay safe and stay warm!
