Portland starts off clear and cool this morning, with local observations hovering around 48°F, but strong sunshine will quickly take over. Temperatures are expected to climb into the low 70s this afternoon, topping out near 73°F. Northwest breezes will gradually freshen through the day, with gusts into the 20s in exposed riverfront and coastal spots. Overnight lows will dip back into the upper 40s.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Breezy northerly flow develops this afternoon, with valley winds generally in the 2 to 10 mph range and gusts up to about 20 to 25 mph inland. More exposed outlying locations could see higher bursts. Along the coast and offshore, gusty winds and choppy seas may make things uncomfortable for small boats, and some areas could see combined wave heights near 10 feet. The Columbia River Gorge should stay relatively calmer than the open coast.
Heat Builds Monday Into Tuesday
High pressure strengthens Monday and peaks on Tuesday, driving highs into the mid 80s Monday and near 90°F Tuesday along the I-5 corridor. According to the National Weather Service Portland, there is about a 40 to 60 percent chance of hitting 90°F from Castle Rock, Washington, south to Salem, and a moderate heat risk is likely Tuesday for the Portland Vancouver metro. The hot spell should be brief, with a marine push arriving Tuesday night and easing temperatures afterward.
What This Means For You
If you do not have air conditioning, try to schedule strenuous outdoor work for the morning or evening and stick to the shade during peak afternoon heat on Monday and Tuesday. Drink plenty of water, check in on older or medically vulnerable neighbors, and never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for a short time. Boaters and beachgoers should pay attention to any Small Craft Advisories and think twice about heading out if conditions look rough.
Earlier Coverage
We first flagged this warmup on May 29. This update adjusts timing, gust expectations, and the latest National Weather Service probabilities for reaching 90°F. For background and cooling resources, see our earlier report blustery today, broiling tomorrow.
