Portland

Portland's Mini Heat Spell Ends As Thursday Night Rain Crashes In

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Published on June 24, 2026
Portland's Mini Heat Spell Ends As Thursday Night Rain Crashes InSource: Google Street View

Portland is squeezing out one last blast of early summer warmth on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with early morning temperatures hovering near 63°F at Portland International Airport and many inland neighborhoods expected to climb into the low 90s by afternoon. After today, the pattern flips as a frontal system moves in late Thursday, bringing cooler air and measurable rain starting the evening of Thursday, June 25, then spreading into the I‑5 corridor by the morning of Friday, June 26.

Afternoon Heat Then a Cooldown Soaker

Look for a high near 91°F in the valley with plenty of sun inland, while spots closer to the river and coast stay noticeably cooler. West‑northwest winds pick up late in the day, with gusts around 18–22 mph in Portland and stronger gusts channeling through the Columbia River Gorge. Forecasters say this is the final day of the unusually warm stretch before the front arrives and delivers widespread showers late Thursday and into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service Portland.

Thunderstorm Chance and Weekend Outlook

Showers hang around into Friday, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday afternoon, June 26, and again Saturday afternoon, June 27. The setup does not look favorable for organized severe storms, but scattered lightning, brief heavy downpours, and gusty winds are all on the table. Rain totals in the valleys look modest, while the Coast Range and Cascades are in line to collect the heavier amounts. Count on a wet Friday morning commute and generally damp conditions sticking around through the weekend.

Cooling Centers and Heat Safety

For those who felt every degree of this recent heat, Multnomah County has been running daytime cooling resources and sharing tips for people without air conditioning. For locations and guidance, visit Multnomah County, and remember the basics: stay hydrated, skip strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and check in on neighbors who might be more vulnerable.

Coast and Commute Notes

Coastal communities will stay much cooler, with low clouds and fog slipping back in tonight. Marine conditions are expected to build this weekend as seas rise. If you have outdoor plans from late Thursday into Saturday, plan on rain gear and be ready for breezy, wet weather to crash the party.