As of 5:35 a.m. PDT Thursday, July 16, Portland International Airport is waking up under mostly cloudy skies and a comfortable 61°F. A passing upper-level low is keeping the atmosphere just unstable enough for about a 50% chance of scattered showers and a few thunderstorms through late morning, mainly from the southern lowlands northward.
Any storms that do pop up should be brief but punchy, with the potential for quick heavy downpours, frequent lightning and erratic wind gusts that can knock down visibility on the roads in a hurry. Most neighborhoods will either stay dry or only pick up a few tenths of an inch of rain. By afternoon, inland areas are expected to trade clouds for sun, with highs landing near 77°F.
Timing And What To Expect
The window for showers and thunderstorms is highest before about 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, with generally light precipitation and a few isolated heavier bursts possible, according to the National Weather Service Portland. On the water, a Small Craft Advisory is in effect for the Columbia River Bar through 10 a.m. Thursday because of choppy 6–7 foot seas and strong ebb currents, and another short advisory could be issued Friday morning.
After today’s unsettled start, the pattern flips quickly. Dry, warmer weather returns Friday, July 17, with highs near 81°F, followed by around 84°F on Saturday, 88°F on Sunday, and readings near 90°F from Monday, July 20, through Wednesday, July 22.
Boaters And The Coast
Boaters and beachgoers will want to plan around the rougher conditions this morning, especially at the Columbia River Bar, where extra caution is advised. Low clouds and coastal fog will keep the shoreline noticeably cooler than the interior through the afternoon, a decent excuse if you are fleeing the inland warmup early.
If you are heading out on the water, secure light gear and check in with local marinas before leaving the dock to make sure conditions line up with your plans.
Heat And Cooling Resources
With temperatures climbing back into the 80s and near 90°F next week, people more vulnerable to heat should think ahead now about where they will cool off. Multnomah County maintains an updated list of cool spaces and guidance; see Multnomah County's heat resources for locations and access details.
For morning errands today, a light rain jacket is not a bad idea, and it is worth building in a little extra time in case a passing downpour slows traffic. Check the National Weather Service Portland forecast page for the latest updates and any changes to advisories.
