Rain doesn't slow Friday, Portland surpasses monthly rainfall

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Wet weather continues to find its way into the Portland, Vancouver area on Friday and through the rest of the weekend.

After a slow start to the rainiest month of the year, Portland has surpassed the average amount of rainfall expected for December. Rain showers will become more widespread and persistent this afternoon as a dry break with mostly cloud skies returns this morning around Portland. Temperatures will continue to sit in the low 50s as rain accumulation nears a half-inch along the Willamette Valley. Portland area winds will be out of the south with gusts nearing 20-25 mph.

Above-average rain accumulation is likely as wet weather takes Portland through the end of the year. Cooler temperatures will help drop the snow elevation level to nearly 4,000' through the weekend. Feet of additional snow is expected above 5,000' around Mt. Hood.

Slick mountain pass travel is expected as snow continues to fall through the weekend. Be ready for winter driving conditions on the roadways in the upper elevations.

Temperatures are expected to cool slightly next week. That's where Portland's highs will near average conditions for the final few days of 2024. The driest day over the next week is expected to fall on New Year's Eve.