Portland Weather Forecast: Unseasonably Warm Days Ahead

PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) – The Portland metro area is experiencing a significant warm-up this week, with afternoon temperatures reaching the upper 70s and low 80s. Meteorologists are now predicting even hotter conditions for Wednesday, though not quite as high as previously expected.

The National Weather Service has downgraded the forecast, suggesting that most areas will experience highs in the mid to upper 80s, with southern Willamette Valley locations likely remaining in the low 80s due to westerly winds. Despite this adjustment, the day is still designated as a First Alert Weather Day because it may be the warmest day of the year so far.

A weak front approaching the region is expected to bring early morning showers on Thursday, leading to a cooler day with highs dropping back into the 70s. More changes to the 7-day forecast include a reduction in Saturday’s expected high temperature and the removal of the First Alert Day.

The ridge of high pressure over the Pacific Northwest is flattening, which means that upper atmospheric temperatures will not be as warm. Forecasters are now considering Friday as a potential First Alert Day instead of Saturday, with temperatures expected to be similar to those on Wednesday.

The weather is anticipated to return to more typical seasonal temperatures by the second half of the weekend and into early next week. A trough will move in, increasing the chances of clouds and showers on Sunday and Monday, pushing high temperatures back into the low 70s.

As the work week begins, clear skies and a spike in temperature of at least 10 degrees can be expected. Tuesday’s forecast predicts a high near 83. Winds will be calm in the main metro area but may gust up to 40 mph in the Columbia River Gorge.

The National Weather Service projects that Wednesday could reach its peak warmth for 2025 so far, with models suggesting Thursday may also bring lingering light rain. By Friday, a new ridge will likely elevate temperatures back into the mid 80s.