Plus: Hear Kacey Musgraves' new album early.
 
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Today’s Forecast

53º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:25 a.m. | Sunset 7:15 p.m.
Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

From our friends at KGW8

 
These predictions are nothing to sneeze at
Cherry blossoms bloom along the Willamette River with Portland's Steel Bridge in the background.
Knowing scenes like this are on the horizon certainly puts a bounce in your step. | Photo by Alex Lim via Wikimedia Commons
Rejoice, Portlanders — the spring equinox is Tuesday, March 19, and with that, the promise of warmer days, blossoming landscapes, and yes (takes deep sigh) pollen. Personally, we think the weather is an underrated conversation topic, so we peeked at some of the major weather trends headed our way over the next few months.

Here’s what you can expect this spring in the City of Roses and beyond based on predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.

A map of the United States shows the seasonal temperature outlook for March, April, and May. Most of the upper half of the country has a likely chance for above normal temperatures.

Overall, we may be in for a warmer spring than usual.

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Photo via NOAA Climate Prediction Center

Temperature

Feeling hot, hot, hot. In Portland, there’s a 70-80% chance of temps being warmer than usual this spring. That trend is reflected in most of the northern half of the US, but the odds are most likely in the PNW (see the red above).

A map of the United States shows the seasonal precipitation outlook for March, April, and May 2024. Portland has a 33-40% chance of experiencing less precipitation.

There will be rain this spring, but chances are that it will be less than usual.

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Photo via NOAA Climate Prediction Center

Precipitation

We’re not saying to put away your galoshes just yet... but sandal season could be in effect sooner than you think. Our region has a 33-44% chance of getting less precipitation than usual.

Drought

Despite experiencing less rain, Portland and its surroundings are predicted to be free from drought through May 31.

March comes in like a lion

Bad news: the average rainfall for this month is 3.68 inches, but the good news is that conditions should start to improve as we... ahem... march... toward drier days and peak cherry blossoms.

April showers us with allergens

Trees typically start to release more pollen around this time, meaning runny noses and red eyes. Start up that medicine regimen so you don’t miss out on the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. Average overnight low temperatures hover around 44°, so it’s also time to start your garden.

May is moving the needle

We’ll always give this month its flowers. From the Portland Rose Festival to the Mt. Tabor Art Walk, there are plenty of outdoor events and for good reason; on average, we experience 276 hours — or 11.5 days — of sunshine.
 
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
 
Events
 
Wednesday, March 13
  • Kacey Musgraves Listening Session | Wednesday, March 13 | 4-5 p.m. | Vinyl Resting Place, 8332 N. Lombard St., Portland | Free | Hear the new album “Deeper Well” on vinyl two days before its official release.
  • Hear You Loud & Queer Comedy Showcase! | Wednesday, March 13 | 7-9 p.m. | Lustre Pearl Portland, 3932 N. Mississippi Ave., Portland | $5 | Laugh out loud with an all-star lineup of Portland’s funniest queer comics.
Thursday, March 14
  • Liberate Sports Campaign Launch | Thursday, March 14 | 6-8 p.m. | Irving Street Studio, 907 NW Irving St., Portland | $125-$250 | Help “erase the gap between privilege and play” at Portland Community Football Club’s fundraiser event, featuring guest speaker and World Cup winner Shannon MacMillan.
  • Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks | Thursday, March 14 | 7 p.m. | Moda Center, 1 N. Center Court St., Portland | $6+| The Knickerbockers from the City That Never Sleeps are going to be knackered after running up and down the court with Anfernee Simons and co.
Friday, March 15
  • Oregon Peace Tree Project Presentation | Friday, March 15 | 1 p.m. | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd., Portland | Free | When Hiroshima was bombed in 1945, some trees survived the atomic blast; today, their legacy lives on around the world, and Oregon is home to the densest concentration of the seedlings outside of Japan.
  • Portland’s Irish Festival | Friday, March 15-Sunday, March 17 | Times vary | Locations vary | $20-$60 | Cheer for local boxers as they take on Irish fighters, join the Shamrock Run, watch Irish dancing and bagpiping, and imbibe a pint or two at Oregon’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
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News Notes
 
Transit
  • Tolls are off the table for Portland’s freeways, according to Gov. Tina Kotek. She plans to scrap the project assessing per-mile tolls on interstates 5 and 205, instead calling for “new, common-sense ideas for transportation funding that address our modern needs and meet our state and regional climate goals.” (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Plan Ahead
  • Chrome and get it. This weekend, the Portland Roadster Show (Friday, March 15-Sunday, March 17) rolls into town with 500+ hot rods, specialty vehicles, vendor exhibits, vintage automobilia, and an appearance by actor Eric Estrada. General admission is $20 and expo center parking is $13. (Portland Tribune)
Concert
  • If you plan on attending this year’s Waterfront Blues Festival (July 4-7), there is one important change you should know — attendees will no longer be permitted to bring in outside food and drinks for security reasons. Organizers will offer exceptions for medical needs, like diabetic-friendly options or baby formula. (Willamette Week)
Arts
  • Portland’s sister city Sapporo is the star of an upcoming photography gallery titled “Vision of Place,” which will run from March 16 to June 10, 2025, at the Portland Japanese Garden. The show is actually two exhibits, which venture beyond to the rest of the northern island of Hokkaido. (Portland Tribune)
Eat
  • ‘Tis the season for corned beef and Guinness, and Portland has Irish pubs and restaurants that leave other cities green with envy. From Paddy’s bangers and mash to the shepherd’s pie at T.C. O’Leary’s, their cold-weather comfort food comes in clutch. (Eater Portland)
Weather
  • The National Weather Services’ warnings and watches for our area are now more accurate. The Portland office updated its alert system from 15 to 25 zones, allowing meteorologists to localize their forecasts on a neighborhood basis. Previously, the Portland zone stretched from the West Hills to Troutdale, encompassing many different microclimates. (KGW)
Biz
  • Do you love coffee so much you would slather it all over your body? No judgment here... or from Helen Rose Skincare Co. The local company is teaming up with Deadstock Coffee to release a limited edition line of coffee- and rose-infused body and lip scrubs available in-cafe and online starting March 21.
Sports
  • Where would you rank Oregon head coach Dan Lanning in all of college football? Stewart Mandel of The Athletic says he’s the 25th best — but that’s way too low according to Locked On Ducks’ host Spencer McLaughlin.
The Word
  • Spravato. This is an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Learn more about it via Active Path Mental Health.*
     
    TEGNA
     
    Try This
     
    How well do you know the map of Portland?
    A map of Portland shows certain locations: Providence Park, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and Revolution Hall. Each point is emphasized by a circle with a photo inside.
    Can you guess the Portland point-of-interest based solely on the address? | Grapic via PDXtoday
    How well do you know your way around Portland?

    Whether you’re a bonafide cartographer or can’t find your way around town without GPS, we’ve created a game for you.

    Here’s how it works: We’ll provide you with the address of a point of interest around the city (think: concert venue, tourist attraction, etc.) and you’ll have the choice of four places it could be.

    We’ll share the results and the name of the first person to score 100% (so don’t forget to add your name if you want the credit) in an upcoming newsletter.

    What are you waiting for? Try your hand at the quiz.
     
    The Buy
     
    The perfect spring shoe for women, featuring a block heel that won’t get stuck in grassy areas. We love colors “Skyward Suede” and “Gold Leather” for special occassions.
     
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    The Wrap
     
    Today’s edition by:
    Ben
    From the editor
    Oregon is officially home to the world’s biggest Dark Sky Sanctuary. At 2.5 million acres, the newly designated Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary encompasses the southeastern chunk of Lake County — and there are plans to expand its reach to 11.4 million acres. What a huge win for nature (and stargazers).
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