Below average temperatures expected around Portland Thursday

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Below-average temperatures return to the Portland, Vancouver metro area after an unseasonably hot start to the month of July.

Afternoon highs on Thursday will likely sit five to six degrees cooler than the normal high of 84 degrees. This comes off the heels of the warmest month of July on record so far for the Portland metro area. Temperatures in the upper 70s along the Willamette Valley will feel refreshing as summer-like temperatures are quick to return.

The air quality impacts are still expected in eastern Oregon on Thursday. Moderate to hazard air is likely as wildfires continue to burn over the Cascades and points east. An onshore flow will keep skies clear from the coast to the Willamette Valley through the end of the week.

The threat of new wildfires remains elevated as temperatures warm over eastern Oregon on Thursday. Wildfires starting from Wednesday evening's severe weather and lightning are possible.

The threat of thunderstorms in eastern Oregon remains low on Thursday. Thunderstorms now move into Idaho and Montana.

Warmer and sunnier skies will return Friday around the Portland area. Mid-80s temps will fade to low 80s this weekend as rain-free skies continue. There is a slim chance for a few isolated rain showers to move through parts of western Oregon and southwest Washington by the middle of next week. The forecast remains extended and is subject to change, but it's good to see weather models trending in that direction.

Stay with the KOIN 6 Weather Team for the latest wildfire information as rain potential continues to develop.