Portland woke to clear skies on Tuesday, May 12, with readings already in the upper 50s at Portland International Airport. Sunshine is on track to send afternoon temperatures into the low- to mid‑80s, likely making this the warmest day of the week for many neighborhoods inland from the river. That warm, mellow setup will not stick around for long, though, as a Pacific trough starts muscling in later tonight.
Tonight's Thunderstorm Window
Late Tuesday evening there is a small chance of showers and thunderstorms between about 8 and 10 p.m. After that, showers and thunderstorms become likely overnight into Wednesday morning, May 13. Forecasts keep lows near 53°F, with readings creeping back into the mid‑50s overnight. Rain totals are expected to be light overall, around a tenth to a quarter of an inch, but localized heavier bursts remain on the table. West‑northwest winds will start out light, then pick up with gusts up to about 22 mph in some spots, according to the National Weather Service Portland.
Wednesday Morning Commute
Wednesday, May 13 will feel like a different season, with noticeably cooler air and steady rain possible through the morning and a high near 66°F. Southwest winds could gust to around 28 mph at times, which may leave roads slick and slow down transit during the morning commute. That is a sharp turn from the weekend sun cranks up expectations that came before this update.
Practical Tips
Keep an umbrella or light rain jacket within reach tonight and Wednesday morning, and secure loose outdoor items if you are hosting evening gatherings, since storms are more likely to be brief but gusty. Cyclists and motorcyclists should be ready for wet pavement and occasional gusts; drivers should slow down through standing water and allow extra braking distance. Small outdoor events scheduled for Wednesday morning may want to plan an earlier start or have a backup shelter option.
Sources
Details in this story are from the National Weather Service Portland forecast and observations. For previous local coverage of the sunnier setup before this shift, see weekend sun cranks up.
