


Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Portland, OR
Issued by NWS Portland, OR
738 FXUS66 KPQR 152239 AFDPQR Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Portland OR 338 PM PDT Wed Oct 15 2025 .SYNOPSIS...A ridge of high pressure continues to facilitate dry conditions though much of Thursday across the interior valleys. Beginning later Thursday into Friday the pattern become more progressive starting with a weak frontal system ushering in chances for light rain or drizzle, more likely near the coast. Then high confidence of widespread rain for late Saturday into Sunday thanks to an upper-level trough. Likely drier conditions for the first part of next week, although some uncertainty remains with a 20-40% chance of rain returning by mid-week. && .SHORT TERM...Tonight through Saturday night...An upper level ridge over the NE Pacific extending into western Canada will slide south, dropping over the Pacific NW on Thursday. A few high clouds this evening will give way to mostly clear skies again overnight. Combined with light winds, expect temperatures to fall once again with patchy frost developing across rural valleys. Have issued a Frost Advisory for many of these locations once again through early Thu morning. A strong jet stream to the north will flatten out the upper ridge later Thursday, while increasing onshore northwesterly flow brings increasing clouds to the area by Thu afternoon. A weak front at the tail end of the system to the north will push onshore Thu evening, bringing potential for some light rain or drizzle across the area Thu night into early Friday morning. Overnight temperatures not expected to be as chilly. Should see mostly sunny skies returning by late afternoon with dry conditions expected through Fri night. Seasonable temperatures with afternoon highs in the lower to mid-60s continues into the weekend as broad upper level ridging transitions over the Pacific NW on Saturday. A more robust frontal system is expected to approach the region later Saturday. This system will bring increasing chances for rain to the coast by Saturday afternoon, with rain likely spreading inland later Sat evening through Sat night. More details in the long term discussion below. .LONG TERM...Sunday through Wednesday...An upper level trough is expected to move over the region on Sunday, though there is still uncertainty how deep this trough will be. This maintains a relatively large spread of potential rainfall accumulation amounts through Sunday night, though there is high confidence that higher amounts are more likely on the northern end of the forecast area than the southern ends. According to NBM guidance, the lower end rainfall amounts range between 0.2 to 0.8 inch (90% chance of exceeding), while the higher end amounts show anywhere from 1.5 inches inland to 3.5 inches along the coast possible (10% chance). Showers likely behind a cold front that pushes across the area on Sunday. Latest guidance shows around a 15-20% chance of thunder at the coast Sunday afternoon. A few lingering showers possible into early next week as onshore flow persists. Active weather likely remains to the north through mid-week. But, long range models are indicating potential for this active weather to slide farther south, bringing a moderate risk of hazardous weather to western Washington and Oregon later next week. /02 && .AVIATION...VFR conditions are expected to prevail for most of the TAF period. High pressure over the region is expected to maintain clear skies and light onshore flow 5-10 kt. An approaching cold front will increase chances for marine stratus to develop along the coast between 8-12z with a 50-80% chance of MVFR CIGs and 30-40% for IFR CIGs. A slight chance for showers is also introduced around this time for KAST but given the low probability, have kept it VCSH. Winds turn southwesterly late tonight into Thursday as the cold front approaches. KPDX AND APPROACHES...Expecting VFR conditions to prevail through the period. Northwest winds around 5 kt turning southwesterly late tonight. /19 && .MARINE...Expect north to northwest winds to persist through Thursday morning while seas hold around 4-6 ft with a dominate period of 14-15 seconds. Conditions become more active Friday and into the weekend as a large west to northwest swell enters the waters. Wave heights are expected to increase to 10-12 feet Friday evening with a period of 16-17 seconds, leading to steep seas and dangerous conditions for Small Craft. As such, a Small Craft Advisory for steep seas has been issued for all waters and the Columbia River Bar starting at 5 pm Friday. Winds are not expected to be an issue with north to northwest winds 5-10 kt. The pattern remains rather active through the latter half of the weekend into early next week as another, albeit stronger, frontal system progresses into the coast waters. Conditions will quickly amplify as a result with a 40-70% chance of seas greater than 15 ft late Sunday into early Monday and a 30-50% chance for seas to exceed 18 ft across the outer waters during the same time frame. /19/99 .COASTAL...A large north to northwest swell of 10-12 ft at 16-17 seconds is expected to enter the waters Friday afternoon. This will support a high threat for sneaker waves through much of Saturday, possibly longer into Saturday night or Sunday as a moderate threat. A Beach Hazards Statement has been issued for the Central and Northern Coast of Oregon and the South Washington Coast. Waves can run up significantly farther on a beach than normal, including over rocks, logs, and jetties. Sneaker waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and quickly pull them into the frigid ocean which may lead to serious injury or drowning. Caution should be used when in or near the water. Always keep an eye on the waves, and be especially watchful of children.Remember, never turn your back on the ocean! /19 && .PQR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... OR...Frost Advisory from 1 AM to 9 AM PDT Thursday for ORZ104-109- 116>118-121. WA...Frost Advisory from 1 AM to 9 AM PDT Thursday for WAZ205-208. PZ...Small Craft Advisory from 5 PM Friday to 2 PM PDT Saturday for PZZ210. Small Craft Advisory from 5 PM Friday to 8 PM PDT Saturday for PZZ251>253-271>273. && $$ www.weather.gov/portland Interact with us via social media: www.facebook.com/NWSPortland x.com/NWSPortland