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Portland's Windy Week: Gusts Hit 70 MPH
20 Jan
Summary
- Strong, cold east winds continue in the Portland metro area.
- Corbett experienced wind gusts nearing hurricane force over the weekend.
- Portland is in its eighth consecutive day without measurable precipitation.
Residents of the greater Portland metro area can expect continued strong, cold east winds as the work week begins. Areas in eastern Multnomah County, particularly near Corbett, have already endured nearly a week of persistent strong winds, with gusts over the weekend reaching almost hurricane force. The phenomenon is attributed to a persistent high-pressure system east of the Cascades that is maintaining a significant pressure gradient through the Columbia River Gorge.
The intense winds are forecast to gradually subside by Wednesday as the high-pressure system weakens. Until then, gusts of 25 to 35 mph are anticipated across much of the Portland metro area, with eastern Multnomah County potentially seeing gusts exceeding 70 mph, and the Vista House experiencing gusts over 85 mph. This windy period is occurring alongside a prolonged dry spell for Portland.
As of January 20, 2026, Portland has gone eight consecutive days without measurable precipitation, adding to the city's dry streak. While this is a notable dry stretch for January, it does not yet approach the record set in January 1948, which saw 17 consecutive days without rain, or the record of 18 days in January 2024. Current rainfall totals for the month are also below average, with only 2.13 inches recorded at the Portland airport.
