Portlanders woke up to mostly clear skies Friday morning, May 1, 2026, and a cool start in the mid 50s at Portland International Airport. That mild vibe will not last for long. Highs are expected to climb into the mid 70s later today before a much stronger warmup on Sunday, May 3, 2026, when parts of the metro area could crack 90°F. Light northwest breezes this afternoon will turn gustier tonight and along the coast, which could matter for anyone eyeing a beach day or time on the water.
This Afternoon And Tonight
Forecasters are calling for partly sunny skies and a high near 76°F this afternoon, with north-northwest winds around 1 to 6 mph. Tonight should turn mostly cloudy, with a slight chance of rain showers between about 8 p.m. Friday, May 1 and 1 a.m. Saturday, May 2. Winds will increase to 2 to 9 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. Those timing and wind details come from the latest forecast discussion, according to NWS Portland.
Hot Sunday And Record Watch
Sunday, May 3 is shaping up as the real scorcher of this stretch. Inland valleys and many metro neighborhoods are forecast to reach the mid 80s to low 90s, with the best odds of 90°F or higher in and near Portland. If Portland International Airport hits 90°F on Sunday, it would land among the earliest 90-degree readings on record for that location, and forecasters expect several climate sites could challenge daily record highs. For broader context on the weekend warmup, check out an earlier preview of the outlook in this weekend warmup forecast.
Boats, Beaches And River Safety
Small Craft Advisories are posted for portions of the coastal waters. Some areas remain under advisories through 8 a.m. Friday, May 1, while additional advisories run from 2 p.m. Friday, May 1 to 2 a.m. Saturday, May 2 for waters south of Cape Falcon. Seas around 5 to 8 ft and a persistent northwesterly swell are creating a moderate sneaker-wave risk along beaches, and strong ebb currents are expected at the Columbia River Bar through Sunday morning, May 3. Mariners and beachgoers are urged to check the latest marine forecasts and warnings before heading out, per NWS Portland.
How To Stay Cool And Safe
If you are planning to be outside on Sunday, carry water, go easy on heavy exertion in the mid-day heat, and keep an eye on children and older adults for any signs of heat illness. Multnomah County maintains a list of cooling centers and local resources for residents who need a cool place during hot spells, and anyone without reliable air conditioning should consider using these services if temperatures spike. See county guidance and the current list of sites from Multnomah County.
High pressure is expected to start easing the hot spell early next week, with more seasonable temperatures likely by midweek. Even so, it is worth checking updated forecasts before locking in weekend plans or scheduling outdoor events.
