Portland is running warm and dry today, Wednesday, July 15, with sunny skies and a high near 89°F — the last clear-cut summer day before our next system moves in. If you’ve got outdoor plans, today is the one to grab, because the National Weather Service says the pattern shifts fast tonight.
Today’s Setup
High pressure is holding firm over the metro through this morning, keeping things clear, dry, and warm with a light north-northwest breeze around 2 to 6 mph. Forecasters at the NWS Portland office note there’s a slight bleed of monsoonal moisture east of the Cascades, but the chance of thunder here today is under 5%. Enjoy it — a broad closed low dropping down from the Gulf of Alaska changes the story starting tonight.
Best Window To Be Outside
Mid-morning through late afternoon is your window today, before overnight showers arrive. Overnight lows dip to 58 with a 35-40% chance of rain showers and a stray thunderstorm developing after 11 PM. Thursday itself carries a 50% chance of showers and storms before 10 AM, then trends partly sunny with a high near 77 — a noticeably cooler, more unsettled day than today.
Rain And Storm Risk
The NWS discussion points to a weak frontal band and wrap-around moisture from an upper-level low parked off the Oregon coast Thursday, with a 40-50% chance of measurable rain west of the Cascade foothills. Rainfall should stay light and orographically driven (heavier over the Cascades themselves). Drying returns Friday and holds through the weekend as temperatures climb again, with the NWS flagging moderate HeatRisk for Portland’s urban core Sunday and Monday — worth keeping in mind if you’re planning weekend yard work or a hike.
What To Wear Or Bring
Today calls for light, breathable layers — moisture wicking undershirts men will keep you comfortable if you’re out at Waterfront Park or biking the Springwater Corridor. Keep a Stanley quencher tumbler filled for hydration in the afternoon heat, and if you’re floating the Willamette to cool off, an Intex Floating Lounge (see our outdoor gear deals) is a fun way to beat it.
Tonight’s Shows And Weekend Ahead
It’s a big concert night: Marcus King is at Roseland Theater and Bob Moses w/ Cannons play McMenamins Historic Edgefield Manor, both under tonight’s dry, clear skies — grab tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub. Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show hits Providence Park Friday, July 17, as drying weather sets in, and Joji: Solaris plays Moda Center Saturday, July 18 — look for a Joji t-shirt or Joji hoodie if you’re heading out.
Dinner Tonight
With temps near 89°F this evening, it’s a good night to cook outside — fire up a portable propane grill for chicken skewers or veggies before the rain arrives tomorrow. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Expect showers and a thunderstorm chance overnight into Thursday morning, clearing to partly sunny Thursday afternoon near 77°F. Friday and the weekend dry out and warm back up, with moderate heat risk building for Portland’s urban core by Sunday and Monday.
