Portland is baking under an Extreme Heat Warning this Sunday, June 14, with a high near 96°F and sunny skies — get your outdoor plans wrapped up before 9 AM PT and then find somewhere cool. The National Weather Service has issued the warning for the Greater Portland-Vancouver Metro and the Columbia River Gorge through Tuesday, and this heat event is as serious as they come.
Today’s Setup
A strong upper-level high pressure system has locked in over the Pacific Northwest, driving temperatures well above normal. Sunday tops near 96°F under mostly sunny skies, with north-northeast winds at 6 to 14 mph and gusts up to 23 mph. Don’t count on those gusts to cool you off — the air itself is too hot. Overnight lows hold around 68°F, which means little natural relief for your home tonight. Breezy offshore winds ease by Monday.
Heat Risk
This is a dangerous heat event — treat it that way. Monday could be even more intense, with a high near 99°F and a heat index up to 97°F. The National Weather Service forecasts 70–95%+ confidence that most interior lowlands will exceed 95°F both days, with isolated spots potentially cracking 100°F. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity between 10 AM and 7 PM PT, and check on elderly neighbors who may not have AC. Low humidity and breezy winds are in the mix through tonight, so it’s also a good time to make sure your smoke detector combo pack is in working order.
Best Window To Be Outside
Early morning is your golden hour — Forest Park trails and the Willamette Waterfront are manageable before 9 AM PT. After that, head inside. If you’re cooling off near water this weekend, the 2-Person Intex Floating Lounge with Cooler deal at just $24 is hard to beat — check out more outdoor gear deals while you’re at it.
Events This Week
Tonight, The Wedding Singer plays Cascades Theatrical Co — an inspired indoor choice on a 96°F day. On Wednesday, June 17, the Portland Fire host the Seattle Storm at Moda Center. It’s fully air-conditioned, which sounds like a lifesaver mid-heat-wave. Grab Find tickets on StubHub and show up in some Official team gear on Fanatics.
Looking to the weekend, HONNE plays Revolution Hall - Portland on Saturday, June 20. If you’re heading out, a HONNE t-shirt is a solid concert look, and you can still Get tickets on SeatGeek if you need them.
Dinner Tonight
Skip the oven entirely — tonight calls for cold sesame noodles or a chilled pasta salad with crisp vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette. Light, fast, and zero added heat in the kitchen. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Monday stays brutal near 99°F before the National Weather Service expects a 10–15 degree temperature drop Tuesday — still warm for inland areas, but genuine relief compared to this weekend. Wednesday through the end of the week should feel more like a typical late-June pattern. Stay tuned and keep hydrating.
