Portland, Ore. – Drivers across Oregon should prepare for near-record September heat Tuesday, with Portland expected to reach 88°F by afternoon. The National Weather Service warns the spike could impact afternoon commutes, especially along I-5 and I-84 where sun glare and warm pavement create hazards. Residents are urged to limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours and keep water on hand.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, calm winds Monday night will shift to light east breezes Tuesday, with gusts up to 18 mph. That breeze will add dryness to the air, raising concerns for fire danger east of the city. Areas in Multnomah and Clackamas counties may see especially warm valley conditions.
The mid-September heat will ease slightly Wednesday, with highs falling to around 80°F before dipping to the upper 70s by Thursday. Nights stay mild, hovering in the upper 50s, allowing little relief for those without air conditioning. The weekend marks a shift, with a chance of showers returning by Saturday and continuing into Sunday.
Travelers should watch for road fatigue on sun-baked highways Tuesday and check cooling centers if needed. Emergency crews urge residents to avoid leaving pets or children in vehicles.
Warnings remain limited to elevated fire risk, but forecasters note that more alerts could be issued if wind speeds increase.
Five-Day Forecast for Portland, OR
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 88°F, breezy afternoon gusts.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 80°F, low 57°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 78°F, low 58°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 81°F, low 60°F.
- Saturday: Showers possible, high 76°F, low 60°F.
