Portland started out 2018 with the largest and brightest moon of the year, according to the National Weather Service in Portland.

For anyone up early on this holiday morning, you might want to check out the moon. We have a supermoon, which is a full moon that is larger and brighter than normal due to the moon being closer to earth. This will be the largest and brightest full moon of the year. #orwx #wawx — NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) January 1, 2018

The supermoon preceded what is expected to be a relatively clear, cool New Year's Day in the Portland metro area. The National Weather Service said highs would near 43 degrees, with east northeast wind blowing around 10 mph.

Monday night should be somewhat cloudier, windier and colder, with lows around 34 degrees and east northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts possibly up to 25 mph.

While New Year's Day should be mostly sunny, clouds are expected to build through the early week and rain is possible Thursday and likely Friday.

-- Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052

lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker