Portland

Gray Skies Grip Portland as Fourth of July Warmup Looms

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Published on June 29, 2026
Gray Skies Grip Portland as Fourth of July Warmup LoomsSource: Google Street View

Portland woke up under a thick blanket of marine clouds on Monday, June 29, 2026, with cool, damp air keeping early temperatures in the mid to upper 50s. Afternoon highs should top out near 69°F as persistent onshore flow keeps the metro cooler than a typical late June day. Expect mostly cloudy skies, with only a slight chance of a stray sprinkle over the higher hills.

Afternoon Winds and the Commute

Light southwest winds around 5 to 6 mph will gradually turn more westerly tonight, but they are not expected to cause issues for the commute or most outdoor plans. Low clouds, generally between 2,000 and 4,000 feet, will hang around through the afternoon, keeping the city gray even as temperatures edge into the upper 60s.

Marine and Boater Advisory

A Small Craft Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. Monday, June 29, to 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, for parts of the coastal waters. Steep seas and rough conditions are expected at the Columbia River Bar late Monday into Tuesday morning. Boaters and beachgoers are advised to avoid the bar and be ready for strong ebb currents, according to the National Weather Service.

Where This Fits

This cool stretch follows several soggy days around the metro, with soaked Saturday coverage on June 27 tracking recent showers and coastal advisories. The current setup looks mainly dry through Thursday, although the overall pattern is expected to shift late in the week.

Holiday Weekend Outlook

A gradual warming trend starts Friday as weak ridging builds into the Independence Day weekend. Inland valleys should see highs at least in the low 80s for Saturday, July 4, with similar readings on Sunday, July 5. A run into the low 90s is not off the table, but the odds remain small. Overnight lows are expected to stay in the 50s, offering some relief at night even if daytime temperatures climb.

Plan Ahead

For Monday, plan on a gray commute and bring a light layer for the cool start. Anyone heading to the coast or the Columbia River should factor in rough water and the ongoing Small Craft Advisory. Looking ahead to Fourth of July plans inland, pack sunscreen and plenty of water, and check updated forecasts later in the week as temperatures become more certain.