For a week in which not much was supposed to happen weather-wise, there sure is a lot to talk about.



It's not going to rain - not for a while. Not since 2009 has Portland had a double-digit dry string of days in December. Currently, forecasters with the National Weather Service are not seeing chances for rain in the Portland area through the beginning of next week.



But, if it's not one thing, it's another. Due to a very strong high pressure system over the Pacific Northwest, an offshore flow will push through the Gorge and winds will increase dramatically Tuesday night and into Wednesday. The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for gusts up to 50 mph in areas including Troutdale, Gresham and Camas. Gust of 60-80 mph could occur areas surrounding Corbett and Crown Point.

Live near the west #ColumbiaGorge or east #PDX metro? If so, get ready for some wind! Here are the peak gusts we're forecasting Wed afternoon... #orwx #wawx pic.twitter.com/3wkUFR6mFf — NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) December 5, 2017

High winds present the risk of downed power lines, trees and large branches. The weather service warns, "with many trees weakened or killed by the Eagle Creek fire, the concern for downed trees within the burn area is higher than usual for this type of event, especially considering this is the first time the area has been tested by winds of this magnitude since the fire."

Those driving high profile vehicles should take extra precautions or avoid travel during high wind periods through the Gorge.

You only need to travel about an hour south of the high wind advisory areas to reach another, totally different, advisory for air stagnation. Heavy inversions will cause the central and southern Willamette Valley to have an air mass that remains over the area for an extended period. With only light winds and no precipitation, pollutants could remain in the air and cause those with respiratory issues to experience health problems.

The air stagnation advisory is in effect through next Monday for Salem, McMinnville, Woodburn, Albany and points south.

High temperature forecasting will be hard for valley areas through the week. In areas where the sun eventually breaks through the fog and low clouds, temps could climb into the upper 40s or even into the 50s. Where the murk continues through the day, temperatures will remain in the upper 30s or low 40s.

Tuesday's skies will remain partly cloudy in Portland and the temps should reach 47.

For Wednesday skies should clear more quickly and leave a mostly sunny, but breezy day with a high of 46.

Those seeking some warmer temperature could head to the Oregon coast where skies should be mostly sunny and temperature could reach into the mid-50s each day this week.