Thunderstorms Possible Thursday Across Large Sections of Washington, Oregon, Coastlines

Published 09/02/2026 at 7:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Portland, Oregon) - Almost all of Oregon and large parts of Washington are under a watch for lightning storms Thursday. Essentially, no area is untouched by the possibility: from the coast to the Cascades, to the eastern portions of the states and metro areas / valleys. (Graphic courtesy NWS)

The National Weather Service (NWS) said atmospheric instability tied to an upper-level low will bring a 20–30% chance of thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and evening, with isolated cells possible depending on how much clearing and daytime heating occur.

However, it is only a possibility: you can see this layout by the green graphic. It doesn't mean that every part of the states will get a thunderstorm. The agency isn't going the route of Chicken Little.

“There is a 20-30% chance for thunderstorms across all of SW WA and NW OR,” the NWS said online. “Severe weather is not expected but thunderstorms that develop could produce gusty winds and small hail. Be weather aware when spending time outdoors, and take shelter indoors if a storm forms near you!”

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According to the NWS, any thunderstorm that develops could produce lightning, heavy downpours, gusty and erratic winds, small hail, or even a brief funnel cloud. The agency noted that cooler air aloft on Thursday also leaves a 5–10% chance for an isolated cold-core funnel cloud. By Friday, the upper-level low remains overhead, keeping showers in the forecast along with another 15–20% chance of afternoon thunderstorms.

“We could see some isolated thunderstorms pop-up,” the NWS said.

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The NWS described the system as a “soaker,” delivering the first substantial rainfall of the season. Probabilities for 48-hour totals exceeding 1 inch between 5 a.m. Wednesday and 5 a.m. Friday are 85 - 95% along the coast and 50 - 75% across interior valleys, including the I-5 corridor. While the wet pattern won’t end fire season, forecasters said it will significantly slow fire activity.

Pacific Northwest Weather | Oregon, Washington, Coastline (see NW from space) |---| Washington Coast Weather |---| Oregon Coast Weather |---| Inland Oregon Weather

Affected towns include Long Beach, Tacoma, Vancouver, Portland, Salem, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Port Orford, Eugene, Florence, Pendleton, Roseburg, Lincoln City and more.

Weather along the Oregon coast, Washington coast and the inland valleys is predicted to start calming very quickly after Friday, with many areas seeing some amount of sun on Saturday and Sunday and Monday (the holiday) basking in moderate summer temps.

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