Portland, much like Seattle to the north, receives around 1,090 mm (about 43 inches) of rain a year, most of it falling as long stretches of light-to-moderate rain between October and April rather than sudden violent downpours, shaped by Pacific storm systems interacting with the surrounding Cascade and Coast ranges. Occasional atmospheric river events bring much more intense rainfall and can trigger landslides in the hillier parts of the metro area and flooding along the Willamette River. Because individual storms are usually mild, radar here is mainly useful for timing exactly when a band of heavier rain or wind will move through during an otherwise drizzly stretch. NWS Doppler radar KRTX (Portland) covers the region.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Portland right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Portland, Oregon in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Portland, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Portland rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Portland?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Oregon are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Portland or pass by.
Is this Portland rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.