Portland weather today brings rain likely with highs near 60°F and an 80% chance of precipitation—so if you’re planning to explore Forest Park or catch a walk along the Willamette River waterfront, you’ll definitely want to gear up.
The National Weather Service is tracking an upper-level low pressure system that’s moving inland from the south, and it’s going to be the dominant weather feature through at least Wednesday. Here’s what to expect:
Today (Tuesday): Light rain moves in this morning and persists through the afternoon. Temperatures start near 60°F but will actually fall to around 58°F by late afternoon—typical spring weather for the Rose City. Winds stay light at 2 to 6 mph from the west. New rainfall amounts will be modest, between a tenth and quarter inch, but it’s steady enough that you’ll want a packable rain jacket if you’re heading to Powell’s Books or anywhere downtown.
Tonight through Wednesday: This is the wettest stretch of the period. Rain continues overnight (lows around 48°F) and picks up on Wednesday with an 80% chance of precipitation. Wednesday looks like the coolest day of the week, topping out around 58°F, with southwest winds gusting up to 24 mph. If you’ve got kids, grab some kids rain boots before heading out—the sidewalks around local parks will be slick.
What to do: This is a perfect day to skip the golf course at Langdon Farms or any outdoor errands. Instead, work from home if you can, or plan indoor activities. If you absolutely must be outside—say, hiking in the Columbia River Gorge or checking on your Willamette Valley wine country plans—invest in waterproof hiking boots and a compact travel umbrella. The rain won’t be heavy enough to cause flooding, but trails will be muddy and slippery.
For commuters heading to the stadiums or downtown, keep a waterproof phone pouch handy. Your phone will thank you, and you won’t miss any important alerts if conditions change.
The good news: After Wednesday, high pressure rebuilds and we’re looking at a warming and drying trend starting Thursday that’ll carry into the weekend. That’s when you can finally plan outdoor activities without the rain gear.
Speaking of staying in: this is the perfect weather for slow cooker chili or a hearty beef stew. There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm bowl of comfort food while rain taps on the windows. Did you know you can order groceries on Amazon? Get everything you need for tonight’s dinner—ground beef, beans, spices, and all the fixings—delivered straight to your door.
Stay dry out there, neighbors!
