Oregon weather is doing what it does best this time of year… keeping us guessing. If you stepped outside this morning and thought it felt more like winter than spring, you’re not wrong.
After a powerful system moved through Oregon on Wednesday, conditions across the state are still feeling the impact today, with snow-covered mountain passes, lingering showers, and cooler air hanging around to start Thursday.
According to KATU, heavy snow fell across the Cascades over the past 24 to 36 hours as a cold front swept inland, dropping snow levels to around 2,500 feet and creating difficult travel conditions through some of Oregon’s busiest mountain routes.
Snow Still Impacting Cascade Travel
Areas across the central Cascades, including parts of Marion, Linn, and Lane counties, saw some of the heaviest snowfall. Santiam Pass and Willamette Pass were especially impacted, with winter driving conditions lingering into Thursday morning.
On Mt. Hood, Government Camp picked up several inches of snow, with higher totals reported up at Timberline. Roads like Highway 26 may still be slick early today, so drivers heading through the mountains should be prepared.
Rain and Showers Continue This Morning
In the valleys, including the Portland area, steady rain moved in overnight Wednesday and continues into Thursday morning. By the time the system fully clears later today, many areas will have picked up around an inch of rain.
Some parts of western Oregon even saw brief thunderstorms on Wednesday, with small hail and lightning reported in spots as colder air moved overhead.
Big Weather Turnaround Starts Now
Here’s the part everyone will be happy about.
As we move through Thursday afternoon, showers will begin to taper off and skies will gradually clear. From there, the weather shifts fast.
High pressure is expected to build into the region heading into Friday, bringing sunshine and a noticeable warm-up.
Temperatures will climb into the upper 60s on Friday, then push well into the 70s by Saturday and Sunday. Some forecasts are even calling for highs around 75 degrees on Easter Sunday.
So yes, if you’re dealing with wet roads or snowy passes today, just know it’s not sticking around long.
This is classic Oregon spring at its finest… a little bit of everything, all in the span of a few days.
