Rain returns: Portland forecast for wet weekend

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Rain and thunderstorms are possible across most of Northwest Oregon and Washington this weekend after weeks of hot, dry weather.

KOIN 6 Meteorologist Josh Cozart predicts that most of western Oregon and Washington will see light rain showers on Saturday that could last into Sunday.

“Some model forecasts are pushing Portland closer to a quarter of an inch of rain by the end of the week,” Cozart said.

Portland has received no measurable rainfall this August, so far. Roughly 0.08 inches of rain has fallen on the city since July 29.

The quenching rain could help to slow wildfires burning in the Cascades, Cozart said. However, eastern Oregon and Washington will likely remain dry.

Northwest Interagency Coordination Center spokesperson Kyle Sullivan told KOIN 6 News that new lightning-caused fires will be a concern for firefighters this weekend.

“Storms will begin dry on Thursday, which could bring lightning and winds,” Sullivan said. “This is bringing a high risk of new fires to southern Oregon east of the Cascades. Central and northern Oregon are at moderate risk Thursday evening given more frequent lightning even with higher rain.”

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