Feb 2, 2026 - Climate

Portland's midwinter weather suddenly feels like spring

Animated illustration of a weather map with suns, warm front symbols and changing background colors. — Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

It's no mirage: Portland is experiencing a midwinter warmup.

Driving the news: The Pacific Northwest is having a stretch of unusually warm weather, with temperatures in Oregon and southwest Washington expected to climb into the upper 50s and lower 60s this week, per the National Weather Service.

Why it matters: The near-spring warmth is arriving in the heart of winter — and just after the 76th anniversary of Portland's all-time record low of -3 degrees, set on Feb. 2, 1950, per NWS Portland.

State of play: A ridge of high pressure is building over the region, beginning Tuesday and lasting through Friday, and it will usher in warmer air through at least the end of the week.

Highs will run about 10 degrees warmer than average for this time of year, NWS Portland meteorologist Noah Alviz told Axios.
After a cloudy start to the week, Portland will see mostly sunny skies on Wednesday and Thursday, with highs in the 60s.

Yes, but: Expect some periodic light rain starting Friday night and Saturday, Alviz said.

Context: While much of the country, including the East Coast, is dealing with frigid temperatures, Portland is getting a dose of what could be called "springuary."

The bottom line: It may not be sunbathing season, but it sure doesn't feel like February either.

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Portland's midwinter weather suddenly feels like spring

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