Portland is starting Thursday under mostly cloudy skies with a high near 67°F — a mild, very May-in-the-Rose-City kind of day, with a slight chance of rain showers arriving after 5 PM local time. It’s manageable weather, but a bigger system is building for the weekend.
Today’s Setup
A weakening frontal boundary is sliding across the Pacific Northwest today. The National Weather Service says rain chances for Portland proper stay low — around 20% — with any showers holding off until the evening hours. West-southwest winds of 3 to 9 mph are expected, with gusts up to 18 mph possible this afternoon. Temperatures peak near 67°F then drop to around 48°F overnight.
Heading to PK Park for Oregon Ducks Baseball vs. USC Trojans today? Conditions should hold through most of the game before that slim shower risk shows up late. Same goes for Oregon State Beavers Baseball vs. Air Force Academy Falcons at Goss Stadium in Corvallis. Grab Official team gear on Fanatics to rep your squad in style.
Best Window To Be Outside
Morning through mid-afternoon is your dry window. A walk along the Waterfront Park, a loop through Forest Park, or an errand run downtown should stay rain-free. Get outside before 4 PM and you’re golden.
Weekend System: Heads Up
The real story this week develops late Friday into Saturday. The National Weather Service is tracking a trough diving out of the Gulf of Alaska that will bring convective showers and possible thunderstorms. Areas near the Cascade foothills and farther north stand the highest chances for meaningful rain — potentially 0.25 inches or more. Friday’s high only reaches near 63°F with gusty WSW winds up to 23 mph, and a late-day shower window returns then too. Sunday should bring relief as high pressure builds and conditions gradually dry out into next week.
Allergy Alert
May grass pollen in the Willamette Valley is serious business. If you’re sensitive, keep Claritin non-drowsy allergy or an allergy relief nasal spray on hand before heading out. Indoors, running a HEPA air purifier helps filter what drifts in through open windows on mild days like today.
Events & Entertainment This Week
Tonight’s Portland Fire vs. New York Liberty game at Moda Center is indoors — no rain worries, just bring the noise. On Saturday, May 16, YUNGBLUD brings the IDOLS World Tour to Moda Center — pick up a YUNGBLUD t-shirt and Find tickets on StubHub while availability lasts. Also Saturday, John Mulaney with guests Fred Armisen & Mike Birbiglia plays Hayden Homes Amphitheater — that’s an outdoor venue, so watch that weekend system timing closely.
What To Wear Today
Classic Portland spring layering: t-shirt, flannel or light pullover, and a packable rain jacket tucked in your bag after 4 PM. Waterproof shoes are smart if you’re out past sunset.
Tonight’s Dinner
A mild, cloudy evening is perfect for a comforting pasta or a quick stir-fry — both come together fast and hit the spot when the skies are gray. You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything delivered in time for dinner.
Next Few Days
- Friday: High near 63°F, mostly cloudy, slight shower chance after 5 PM, gusty WSW winds to 23 mph
- Saturday: More active system moves in — showers and possible thunderstorms, especially near the Cascade foothills and north metro
- Sunday onward: Drying trend begins as high pressure builds; temperatures moderate into next week
Track updates at the Portland weather forecast and check outdoor gear deals if you’re prepping for the wetter stretch ahead.
