Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Portland, OR

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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.
&&

$$

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