Don’t let Portland’s early Wednesday dry streets fool you. Rain is coming

A weak warm front pushing inland early Wednesday will bring rain to the Portland/Vancouver area, but likely after about 8 a.m.

The National Weather Service says the front is moving slower than expected, but rain is certainly on the way followed by a deepening cold air low that will lower snow levels and continue the rain party in the valleys through Thursday.

Portland's rain will kick in after about 8 a.m. and continue through the rest of the day. New precipitation amounts of a quarter to half inch are likely. The high will reach about 51 degrees Wednesday.

The cold air associated with the next system will show up later in the afternoon and bring snow levels down to about 3,500 feet. Precipitation will be showery, so pass level snow amounts will vary.

The weather service has issued a winter weather advisory in the Cascades from southern Washington through central Oregon. The advisory is in effect from 2 p.m. Wednesday through 5 p.m. Friday.

Snow is likely at 3,500 feet and above. Snow accumulation should reach 6-12 inches with the lower amounts expected at the lower elevations. Higher ski-level resorts could see as much as two feet of snow during that time.

Travelers are advised to have their winter travel kits ready, vehicles filled with fuel or fully charged, and to expect delays. Forecasters expect blustery winds along the pass roads Thursday which, combined with snowfall, could bring low-visibility conditions.

Visit TripCheck.com for the latest information on pass conditions.

Rain showers will keep the wet weather going in Portland on Thursday with chances of rain at 100%. The high temp will reach about 50 degrees.

Showers and thunderstorms are possible Friday. Portland has a 90% chance of rain at times during the day and about a 20% of afternoon thunderstorms. The high temp will reach near 54 degrees.

The weekend's forecast is still in flux. Models are differing on amounts of rain expected Saturday and Sunday, but what is clear is it won't be clear, at least not during the bulk of the time. Showers are possible on both days, and the high temp will reach about 54.