First round of 80-degree heat expected around Portland area Thursday

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The summer sizzle is on as the Portland, Vancouver metro area prepares for the first round of 80-degree heat this year.

Some of the warmest air of the season is expected to move back into western Oregon and Washington as early as Thursday and continue through the weekend. Gusty northeasterly winds will help increase the temperature along the Willamette Valley on Thursday. That's where Portland could see its first round of 80-degree heat. So far this season Portland has only managed to get into the upper 70s, but that changes as even warmer conditions are expected Friday.

Gusty winds will be near 20-25 mph during the afternoon hours Thursday around Portland. It's Thursday's wind that will help Portland meet its timeline for average first 80-degree day. Western Oregon and Washington usually sees the first round of 80s by May 8, but its happened as early as April 16.

Temperatures are expected to remain above average with an early onset of 90-degree weather possible on Friday. Portland doesn't usually see 90-degree heat until June 18, but 90-degree temperatures have happened as early as April 30.

These warmer-than-average temperatures will likely break records on Friday and possibly again Saturday. The record-breaking heat threat subsides by the start of next week, but temperatures will remain above average in the low 70s.

Dry skies will accompany the sunny and warm weather through the middle of next week. Melting snow will start to ramp up in the coming days with higher river levels expected.