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The weather in Oregon can be pretty crazy. Learn about the different types of weather you can expect in Oregon and how to prepare for them.
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The Weather in Oregon
state in the Pacific Northwest region of the contiguous United States. It is bordered on its west by the Pacific Ocean, on its north by Washington, on its south by California, on its east by Idaho, and on its southeast by Nevada. Oregon is the ninth largest state and, with a population of over 4 million, the 26th most populous U.S. state. The capital of Oregon is Salem and the most populous city is Portland. Portland is the second most populous city in the Pacific Northwest after Seattle and is one of the major ports in Willamette Valley
The Different Seasons in Oregon
Oregon has a temperate climate throughout most of the state, with warm summers and cool winters. The Cascade Range runs north to south through the middle of the state, and its mountains tend to trap moisture in the form of rain and snow, making the western side of Oregon much wetter than the eastern side.
Oregon has four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. The high desert region of central Oregon experiences more extreme temperature changes than other parts of the state, but overall Oregon’s climate is fairly moderate.
Central and Eastern Oregon are famed for their blue skies and sunny days. However, in the winter months these areas can be quite cold and experience large amounts of snowfall.
The Willamette Valley experiences a similar climate to much of the Pacific Northwest – cool, wet winters and mild, dry summers. The valley is protected from some of the harsher weather conditions by the Cascade Mountains to its east.
On average, Portland sees about 36 inches of rain per year – most of which falls between October and May. June through September are typically the driest months in Portland.
Oregon’s coastal regions are mild year-round, but definitely experience more rainfall than other parts of the state. Temperatures along the coast rarely get above 80 degrees or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Overall, Oregon is a great place to visit any time of year – just be sure to pack your raincoat!
The Average Temperatures in Oregon
The average temperatures in Oregon
In general, Oregon has a temperate climate with relatively little temperature variation from season to season. The coast of Oregon is cool and wet, while the eastern part of the state is dry and warm. Central and southern Oregon are both high desert climates.
The coast of Oregon experiences more rainfall than any other part of the state, averaging around 80 inches (2,032 millimeters) per year. The Cascade Range protects the coast from much of the cold air that comes down from Canada, so even in winter, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing. In summer, the average highs are in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius).
Eastern Oregon is in what is known as a rain shadow. The Cascades block much of the moisture from Pacific storms, so this part of the state gets very little rainfall – less than 10 inches (254 millimeters) per year on average. The climate here is more continental, with colder winters and hotter summers than on the coast. In winter, snowfall is common in the mountains, but at lower elevations it usually melts quickly.
central and southern Oregon are both high desert climates. This means that they get very little rain – about 10-20 inches (254-508 millimeters) per year on average. The summers are hot – often reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or more – but the nights are cool because of the high elevation. In winter, these regions can experience very cold temperatures – sometimes below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius).
The Record Temperatures in Oregon
The highest temperature ever recorded in Oregon was 119 degrees, which happened on August 10, 1898, in Pendleton. The coldest temperature recorded in Oregon happened on February 3, 1933, at Blakely Island.
There is a large range of average temperatures throughout Oregon, depending on location. The western side of Oregon is generally cooler and wetter than the eastern side.
The Precipitation in Oregon
Precipitation is plentiful throughout the year in Oregon. The coastal areas and western valleys of the state get the most rain, while the interior mountains and eastern part of the state are relatively dry.
The wettest time of year is late fall through early spring, with December, January, and February being the rainiest months. Oregon’s heaviest 24-hour rainfall on record occurred during this season, when nearly 17 inches fell on the northern coast on December 1-2, 2007.
Allen Dam in northeast Oregon holds the state’s official 24-hour rainfall record at 23.01 inches, set on December 12-13, 1996. The Portland metropolitan area sometimes experiences what is known as an “atmospheric river” or “Pineapple Express” event, in which a large plume of subtropical moisture is drawn northward into the region from Hawaii. These can occur several times each winter and can cause flooding if they coincide with a strong frontal system.
From late spring through early fall, precipitation decreases statewide as high pressure builds over the region. This results in warm, dry conditions across most of Oregon, although thunderstorms can still occur east of the Cascades during this time.
Oregon’s driest time of year is usually July and August, although even during these months significant precipitation can fall in some years. For example, several inches of rain fell across much of Oregon on August 8-9, 2007 due to remnants of Hurricane lane.
The Snowfall in Oregon
Oregon generally has a temperate climate, however, the state sees a wide range in weather conditions depending on location. The coast of Oregon is wetter than the inland areas, which experience a rain shadow effect from the coastal mountains. The Cascade Range runs north to south through the state and significantly affects the climate as well. These mountains cause two different precipitation regimes in Oregon. The west side of the Cascades receives high amounts of precipitation in the form of rain and snow, while the east side experiences lower amounts.
The snowfall in Oregon varies greatly throughout the state. The Coast Range and parts of the Willamette Valley average around 60 inches (152 cm) of snow annually, while elevations above 3,000 feet (910 m) can see 500 inches (1,270 cm) or more annually. In mountain passes, such as Siskiyou Summit on Interstate 5 between Oregon and California, much higher amounts can fall with an annual average around 660 inches (1,680 cm).
The Sunshine in Oregon
In Oregon, the climate varies depending on which region you are visiting. The state is diverse, with both rain forests and high desert. The rain forests are found in the western part of the state, while the high desert is located in the southeastern region.
The western part of Oregon receives a lot of rainfall, averaging over 80 inches (2,032 millimeters) per year. This region is also home to some of the tallest mountains in the state, including Mount Hood and Mount Bachelor.
The southeastern region of Oregon is much drier, with an average rainfall of less than 10 inches (254 millimeters) per year. This part of the state is home to the Great Basin National Park and Crater Lake National Park.
Overall, Oregon has a mild climate. The average temperatures in the state range from 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) in January to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) in July.
The Storms in Oregon
Oregon is a state in the United States that is known for its many storms. These storms can bring high winds, heavy rain, and even snow to the state. The storms in Oregon can be very dangerous, so it is important to be prepared for them.
The Natural Disasters in Oregon
Oregon is known for its varied climate and topography. The state’s coastal regions, including the City of Portland, experience a temperate, Mediterranean-type climate with mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. The interior of the state, particularly in the Willamette Valley, has a wetter climate with cool winters and warm summers. The Cascade Mountains act as a barrier to the flow of moist air from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in much drier conditions east of the Cascades. This “rain shadow” effect is most pronounced in the semi-arid region of eastern Oregon.
Oregon is also susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and floods.
The Best Time to Visit Oregon
The best time to visit Oregon is in the summer, when the weather is warm and dry. The state’s coastal areas are particularly nice during this time of year, as they experience a moderate climate with little rainfall. However, if you’re looking to escape the heat, Oregon’s mountain regions offer cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery. Keep in mind that the state’s popular tourist attractions can be quite crowded during peak season. To avoid the crowds and enjoy cheaper rates, visit Oregon in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.
