As if to match a mood that's gripped the city, the weekend has delivered weather characterized by government meteorologists as "unsettled."

Two weather patterns duking it out in the region means on-and-off rain and unseasonably cool temperatures in Portland and throughout the Pacific Northwest, according to the National Weather Service. They bring the potential for frost and near-freezing conditions in some areas.

Showers and overcast skies in the Portland area will persist through Monday, according to the National Weather Service. Saturday's high temperature of 60 degrees will cool to an overnight low of 49. Sunday will be cooler, with a high of 55.

Early accumulating snow could fall in the mountains, as low as 4,000 feet of elevation, with several inches of snow expected above 5,000 feet. The weather service advised backcountry visitors to carry a winter survival kit in case they become stranded.

Temperatures will moderate later in the week, with Portland's high temperature climbing back into the 60s starting Wednesday. Sunnier conditions are expected, too, with the chance of precipitation dropping to 10% to 20%.

A low-water alert remains in place for the Columbia and Willamette rivers in the Portland metro area, and boaters and others are advised to use caution in shallow areas.