Portland is shrugging off a cool mid-morning reading near 54°F at Portland International Airport and heading for a bright, summery Wednesday, with mostly clear skies and a high near 81°F on tap. Light north-northwest winds will gradually pick up through the afternoon and evening, with gusts around 15 to 20 mph, before temperatures slide back into the mid-50s overnight.
Morning Fog, Sunny Afternoons
Marine stratus is pushing inland along the coast and up the Columbia River this morning, spreading low clouds and MVFR ceilings to some Portland-area terminals, especially north of Aurora. That gray layer should lift and burn off by midday, clearing out across the Willamette Valley and leaving dry, sunny skies through the afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, this general pattern of morning clouds and bright afternoons will hold through the rest of the week.
Warming Through Friday And Into Next Week
The agency expects a noticeable bump in temperatures Thursday, with highs reaching the mid to upper 80s. By Friday, which is Juneteenth, inland spots are likely to top out near 91°F. Forecast guidance then points to a more significant warmup Monday and Tuesday, when inland highs could land in the mid-90s. That means heat risk will climb, especially for people without reliable access to air conditioning or other cooling. With overnight lows staying relatively warm, health officials advise planning strenuous outdoor work for the cooler morning or evening hours and keeping water, shade and rest breaks in the rotation.
Where To Cool Off And Safety Notes
For those who need a break from the heat, cooling centers and other resources are available. Call 2-1-1 or check county information for staffed cooling sites and maps. TriMet notes it will not turn away riders headed to or from a cooling center who cannot pay fare during a declared heat emergency. If your plan is to cool off in a river or lake, remember the water is still cold even when the air is hot, which increases the risk of cold-water shock for swimmers. As temperatures climb, keep an eye on children, pets and anyone with health vulnerabilities who may struggle in the heat.
