Portland woke up under a gray blanket on Thursday, May 7, 2026, with cloudy skies and a cool 52°F reading at Portland International Airport (PDX). The gloom should not stick around for long. Inland neighborhoods are expected to clear by late morning, setting up mostly sunny afternoons with highs near 74°F as a broad ridge brings warm, dry conditions.
Morning Marine Layer
Low clouds and patchy drizzle will cling to the river and coast through mid-morning on Thursday, May 7, creating pockets of reduced visibility and some slick pavement for the early commute. Most inland areas, including much of the Willamette Valley, should transition quickly to sunshine by midday.
According to the National Weather Service, observations show temperatures around 52°F at PDX this morning, and some terminals may briefly see MVFR ceilings before conditions improve back to VFR this afternoon.
Afternoons Warm Into Weekend
Afternoons are the sweet spot. Highs should land near 74°F on Thursday, May 7, and around 73°F on Friday, May 8, with interior valleys making a run toward 80°F by Saturday, May 9. The warming trend should continue into early next week, and by Tuesday, May 12, several inland locations could reach the low 80s.
The NWS attributes the stretch of warmth to broad ridging that is expected to keep the region largely dry through next week, setting up a pleasant Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day) for outdoor plans.
Gorge Gusts, Aviation And Marine
The Columbia River Gorge will be the standout for wind each afternoon, with west to northwest gusts in the 25–35 mph range that can turn bridge crossings into a bit of a slog for cyclists and a shuffle for commuters. Offshore, seas are forecast around 5–8 feet through the weekend, so small-craft operators should plan accordingly and keep an eye on conditions.
Pilots and air travelers should expect low morning ceilings at some terminals that may slow operations early on May 7, although there are currently no watches or warnings in effect.
If you are plotting outdoor time this afternoon or over the weekend, target those inland afternoon hours for the warmest, sunniest conditions, and bring a light jacket for the cooler starts. Check the latest forecasts before heading into the Gorge or offshore waters.
