Portland is in for a stormy Saturday, May 16, with showers already falling this morning and thunderstorms likely to develop by midday — keep a packable rain jacket and compact travel umbrella within arm’s reach before you head out the door.
Today’s Setup
The National Weather Service puts precipitation probability at 90% today, with the main storm window running from 11 AM to 4 PM PT. A shortwave trough dropping from the northwest will enhance shower activity and bring a 10–20% chance of brief thunderstorms, mostly across the northern metro. The high tops out near 59°F with southwest winds of 6 to 12 mph and gusts up to 21 mph. Cooler air aloft is what’s driving the thunder risk — but NWS forecasters also note mid-level warming creates a cap that keeps storm tops limited in height, so we’re not looking at long-lived severe cells.
Heading up to Mt. Hood or the passes today? Think twice. Snow levels fell to around 3,500–4,500 feet overnight. The National Weather Service reports snow-covered roads at Government Camp and blowing snow at Santiam and Willamette Passes, where temperatures are hovering around 32°F. A Winter Weather Advisory is in place for Cascade passes through this evening.
Best Window To Be Outside
Your cleanest outdoor windows are early morning before 11 AM and again after 5 PM PT. Rain chances drop to around 30% after 10 PM Saturday night, then Sunday turns the corner entirely: partly sunny and near 66°F with light WNW winds and zero precipitation. Save bigger adventures for then. That said, waterproof hiking boots will serve you well for any soggy errand-running or trail walk this weekend.
Rain and Thunder Risk
The afternoon thunder window is real but brief. During peak storm hours, lightning and gusty winds could clip open spots like the Willamette Riverfront, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and exposed east-side neighborhoods. If you’re out near Ladd’s Addition or heading to the Saturday Market, the compact travel umbrella is smarter than the big golf umbrella — easier to manage in the gusts.
Events: What’s On Today
YUNGBLUD: IDOLS - THE WORLD TOUR hits Moda Center tonight — fully indoors, so the storms don’t matter at all. If you haven’t grabbed seats yet, Find tickets on StubHub before they’re gone. Rep a YUNGBLUD t-shirt and make a night of it.
John Mulaney with guests Fred Armisen & Mike Birbiglia is playing Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend tonight — that’s an outdoor venue about three hours east. Expect a damp, cool evening; plan layers and check road conditions before you go. Get tickets on SeatGeek if you’re still on the fence.
Locally, the Oregon Ducks Baseball vs. USC Trojans game at PK Park in Eugene and the Oregon State Beavers Baseball vs. Air Force Academy Falcons at Goss Stadium at Coleman Field in Corvallis are both outdoor — cold and wet conditions expected. Bring rain gear.
Looking ahead: the Portland Thorns FC vs. Bay FC match on May 20 at Providence Park should land in much better weather as high pressure rebuilds Sunday through next week. Stock up on Official team gear on Fanatics ahead of game day.
What To Wear
Layering is the move today. A packable rain jacket handles the showers without bulk; waterproof hiking boots keep your feet dry whether you’re walking Alberta Street or running errands in the Pearl District. Keep that compact travel umbrella in your bag for the afternoon storm window.
Rainy Day Comfort Food
A slow-cooker chili or beef stew is the perfect project for a day like this — load up a programmable slow cooker before the storms roll in and let it work while you stay dry indoors. Or go stovetop with an enameled cast iron Dutch oven for a big pot of soup. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Sunday climbs to near 66°F with partly sunny skies and essentially no rain chance — a genuine turnaround. High pressure continues to build through next week, making today’s storm a one-day event. Browse outdoor gear deals now so you’re ready for the drier stretch ahead.
