Oregon falls back into severe drought, rain on the way

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Rain can't come soon enough as wildfires continue to burn and drought conditions worsen over Oregon.

Severe drought finds its way back into Oregon for the first time since Oct. 22, 2024. This comes as Portland's rain deficit for the month of June moves closer to the 1-inch mark. It wasn't just Portland's dry June that brought on the severe drought for western and northwest Oregon. The over four-inch rain deficit seen since January 2025 has helped bring on the current drought situation.

Summer begins on Friday as rain enters the Pacific Northwest. The cooler and rainy weather will help wash away some of Oregon's rain deficit but not all of it. The best outcome from Friday to Sunday's rain is the decrease in the wildfire threat. However, the diminished threat isn't expected to last very long as warm, dry, and sunny weather returns next week.