Portland, Oregon – Oregon is expected to experience a warmer and somewhat more active weather pattern between July 23 and July 27, with above-normal temperatures expanding across much of the state while increasing atmospheric moisture brings opportunities for showers and isolated thunderstorms. Although many lower elevation communities will remain dry for extended periods, localized rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to become more common over the Cascades and eastern Oregon during the afternoon and evening.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, in its 6-10 Day Outlook issued July 17, Oregon is favored to experience above-normal temperatures during the July 23-27 period. The state is also included in an area favoring above-normal precipitation, indicating a greater likelihood of rainfall than is typical for late July.
In Portland, afternoon temperatures are expected to climb above seasonal averages as warmer air builds across the Pacific Northwest. While the Willamette Valley should experience long stretches of dry weather, occasional weather disturbances could bring scattered showers later in the period. Residents can also expect warmer-than-average overnight temperatures, especially in urban areas where heat lingers after sunset.
Farther south, Eugene is forecast to experience a similar trend with above-average daytime highs and increasing chances for showers and isolated thunderstorms, particularly over the nearby Cascade Range during the afternoon and evening. Storms developing over higher terrain could drift into surrounding valleys, bringing brief downpours, gusty winds and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning. Outdoor recreation areas, including portions of the Willamette National Forest, could see rapidly changing weather conditions.
The warmer and wetter pattern is expected to extend across Oregon, including Salem, Bend, Medford, Corvallis, Albany, Pendleton, La Grande and Klamath Falls. Central and eastern Oregon are expected to have the greatest potential for afternoon thunderstorms, while coastal communities remain somewhat moderated by cooler Pacific air despite temperatures running above seasonal averages.
Although the Climate Prediction Center outlook does not pinpoint the exact timing or location of individual weather systems, confidence continues to increase that Oregon will remain in a warmer-than-normal and wetter-than-normal pattern through July 27. Residents planning travel, hiking or camping should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts, as thunderstorms may develop quickly over higher terrain and produce lightning, brief heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
