Drier, warmer conditions return to Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A wet and windy start to the early morning fades quickly to drier skies and mild temperatures across the Portland, Vancouver area on Wednesday.

A drying trend today will leave the Portland area under pleasant and balmy conditions with partly to mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid 50s.

Strong winds will slow by 8am to 9am around the region. Afternoon temperatures will remain nearly 10 degrees above average and in the low to mid 50s through Friday.

Snow levels will rise by the end of the week to 8,000-10,000 feet. Some melting is possible over the Cascades as temperatures warm over the next several days. Expect strong winds and gusts up to 45 mph or so on the ski slopes Wednesday.

The mild and dry weather comes to an end by the start of winter on Saturday. Highs will cool back into the low 50s as wet weather takes Portland through the weekend.

The wet weather trend is expected to last through Christmas Eve and likely Christmas Day.