It will be a rainy Christmas Day and a rainy Hanukkah evening for Portland.
Wednesday’s forecast calls for a high near 48 degrees and rain, mainly after 10 a.m. Wind gusts could reach 20 mph, according to the National Weather Service, and up to a half-inch of rain is possible.
Winds are expected to pick up close to midnight, reaching gusts as high as 39 mph.
Thursday brings more showers, wind and possible thunderstorms, with a high near 51 degrees.
Rain remains in the forecast for the rest of the week, and it’s not until New Year’s Eve that the Weather Service says showers are only “likely.” (So, they’re saying there’s a chance...)
If you’re looking for snow, head east of Portland. The North Oregon Cascades are under a winter weather advisory from 1-10 p.m. Wednesday. Between 3 to 8 inches of snow is expected at elevations of 4,500 feet.
In the other direction, southwest Washington and the Oregon coast will remain under a high surf advisory through Friday. Visitors should far from the water’s edge and be alert for large waves.
Much of the Oregon coast is also under a high wind warning, with the biggest potential gusts expected in the south central coast around Curry County. The National Weather Service warns of gusts up to 70 mph this afternoon through Thursday morning.