Portland is headed for a mostly sunny Sunday with a high near 80°F, and the day’s biggest wrinkle is just patience — some morning clouds lingering east of I-5 before the sun wins out by afternoon. If you’re planning a walk along the Eastbank Esplanade or a paddle on the Willamette River, this is a comfortable, near-normal July day to get outside.
Today’s Setup
The National Weather Service in Portland says low-level onshore flow is keeping temperatures near normal for mid-July, with dry southwest flow aloft overhead. Overnight clouds built along the Cascade foothills and are backbuilding into the eastern Willamette Valley and Portland metro early this morning, mainly east of I-5. West of I-5, skies should stay mostly clear. Either way, daytime heating clears things out for everyone by afternoon, with light north-northwest wind around 3 to 12 mph.
Best Window To Be Outside
Afternoon is your window today, once any lingering morning clouds burn off — think 1 PM PT onward for the clearest, warmest stretch before the high near 80°F settles in. Overnight lows drop to around 55°F, so evenings at Laurelhurst Park or Tom McCall Waterfront Park will feel crisp. Monday looks even better for full-day outdoor plans: sunny skies and a high near 87°F, with the coast holding onto some morning low clouds while inland areas like the Portland metro stay clear from the start.
Heat Trend Into Monday
The pressure gradient driving our cool marine air is weakening, which is exactly why Monday jumps to 87°F with less morning cloud cover than we’ve seen. It’s a solid day to get lawn mowing or yard work done early before the afternoon warmth peaks. With highs climbing, a ceiling fan smart remote can help keep bedrooms comfortable overnight without cranking the AC, and it’s a good moment to check that a raised garden bed kit or live herb plant collection is watered before the heat sets in.
What To Wear Or Bring
Light layers work for today’s temperature swing — a jacket for the cool 55°F morning, shorts and sunscreen by afternoon. If you’re floating the river this weekend, an Intex River Run 2 floating lounge is a fun way to make the most of the outdoor gear deals on the site. Gardeners should keep an oscillating lawn sprinkler running during Monday’s heat, and it’s peak season to hang a hummingbird feeder or line the patio with outdoor solar path lights for warm evenings.
Local Events This Week
Streetlight Manifesto plays McMenamins Crystal Ballroom on July 14 — mild, dry evening weather expected for the walk downtown, so grab tickets on SeatGeek if you’re going. Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show hits Providence Park on July 17, and Joji brings the SOLARIS tour to the Moda Center on July 18 — both look like dry, comfortable nights based on the current pattern. Fans heading to the Joji show might grab a Joji t-shirt, Joji hoodie, or Joji hat ahead of time, and Chris Stapleton fans can pick up a Chris Stapleton t-shirt for the Providence Park show.
Dinner Idea
With warm, dry weather holding through Monday, this is a good stretch for a simple pasta or stir-fry dinner on the patio while it’s still light out past 8 PM. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door — Amazon Fresh groceries makes it easy to stock up before the week’s heat kicks in.
Next Few Days
Monday stays sunny and warm with a high near 87°F and a low around 59°F Monday night. The forecast gets less certain Wednesday through Friday, but the National Weather Service says odds lean toward continued warmer-than-normal temperatures with mainly dry conditions — good news if you’re planning ahead for any of this week’s shows.
