Cooler, stormier weather expected in PNW Thursday

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Cooler and potentially stormier weather is expected to return to the parts of Oregon and Washington Thursday.

Skies will remain mostly dry around the greater Portland, Vancouver area Thursday, but temperatures will remain below average. Afternoon highs are only expected to warm into the mid to upper-70s. A mix of sun and clouds is part of the cooling trend as a low pressure develops just offshore.

That developing low west of Oregon will help push cooler and wetter weather back into the Pacific Northwest for the next few days. Some of that moisture has the potential to increase the thunderstorm threat over the Cascades and east Thursday afternoon.

Central and southcentral Oregon has the greatest chance of seeing thunderstorm activity during the afternoon and evening hours. The threat of lightning will keep the wildfire threat elevated through Thursday night. Oregon’s wildfire potential remains as very little rainfall is expected through the end of the week.

Portland’s dry stent of weather as the chance to end this weekend. The same low that’s bringing cooler and stormier weather to parts of Oregon will increase the rain chance Saturday and Sunday. The greatest chance for rain falls on Saturday with lingering showers expected Sunday. Rain accumulation forecasts point towards nearly a quarter of an inch possible around the Willamette Valley.

The wetter weather trend this weekend keeps the chance for light showers in the forecast through the middle of next week. An increase in cloud coverage next week will continue to keep temperatures near average.

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