Portland sees big warm up Tuesday. Highest temp of year (so far) expected Wednesday

Portland’s relatively mild Memorial Day weekend comes to an end showing high temps of about 72 degrees on the holiday.

That’s all changing, and quickly, as a ridge of high pressure strengthens over the Pacific Northwest to start the work week bringing clear skies and high temperatures that spike at least 10 degrees.

Portland will see clear skies Tuesday and a high of near 83 by the afternoon. Winds will be fairly calm in the main metro area, but exposed areas in the western end of the Columbia River Gorge (like Corbett, Crown Point, etc.) are expected to see wind gusts in the 30-40 mph range.

The National Weather Service says Wednesday has the potential to be the warmest day of 2025, so far, when the high pressure ridge peaks in strength and then begins to move eastward. How quickly the ridge moves is the key to how warm Portland will get. Earlier in the weekend highs in the low 90s were predicted for Wednesday, but models now show highs in the mid 80s as the most likely scenario.

The weather service believes areas along the Interstate 5 corridor from Salem to Cowlitz County should all see temps in the 80s. The central and southern Willamette Valley should stay a touch cooler with highs in the mid-to-upper 70s.

Portland will see a sunny Wednesday with highs near 86.

Changes in the weather pattern are expected by Wednesday evening as a new system pushes into the coastline from the west. Most areas of the valleys will see clouds move in by the evening and there’s a 20% chance of showers in Portland by about 11 p.m.

The Cascades will likely see clouds and showers and possible thunderstorms. Current chances of thunder land at 15-30%.

Showers will linger into Thursday morning. Portland has a 50% chance of rain through about noon. Skies will start out mostly cloudy, then gradually clear to sunny. The high temp will reach about 72 degrees.

Current long-range forecasts show a return of ridging Friday and into the weekend. High temps will be in the mid 80s.

Protect yourself and those you love by wearing your sunscreen every day–even when it’s cloudy. Regularly reapply every two hours or after you sweat or get wet!

#DontFryDay

#NIHHIS

#HeatSafety

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