Oregon, Washington to feel like early fall Tuesday

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- An early onset of fall comes as the greater Portland-Vancouver metro area prepares for a cooler and potentially wetter week in the middle of August.

Afternoon temperatures will continue to sit below normal for the rest of the week. That puts highs in the upper-70s Tuesday with upper-60s likely by Friday. The cooler weather pattern is matched with an increase in rain potential. A few of those showers are possible along the Oregon Coast Tuesday. Willamette Valley locations will likely stay dry Tuesday, but a mix of clouds and sun is likely.

The rain potential continues to increase this week. That's due to a trough of cooler air diving south over the Pacific Northwest. The wettest days are expected Thursday through Saturday. Rain accumulation still remains uncertain, but will likely give Portland a surplus of moisture for the month of August. Typically, August is the second driest month of the year with only 0.54" of rain on average.

That increase in rain and cooler temperature trend will help decrease the wildfire threat. This comes as much of the state has fallen back into 'moderate' drought conditions.

This fall-like forecast slowly warms by the start of next week. That's also when skies are expected to start drying out in the Pacific Northwest.