Rain, few thunderstorms possible Thursday around the PNW

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Summer-like weather continues to slip away as rain and the chance of thunderstorms increases around the Pacific Northwest Thursday.

A late summer season cold front swings through western Oregon and southwest Washington Thursday. That front will help cool temperatures into the low- to mid-70s as the chance of rain increases. A few light rain showers are possible along the Willamette Valley Thursday morning. The afternoon hours will likely be dry and cloudy. Heavier rain showers are expected after sunset. Some of those heavy rain showers could turn to non-severe thunderstorms.

The greatest amount of precipitation will fall after sunset. That's where nearly a tenth of an inch of rain is likely. Even greater rainfall amounts are possible in some isolated locations. The cooler and wetter weather will help lower snow elevations over the cascades. Snowflakes could fall as low as 7,000' by Saturday. That's where the peak of Mt. Hood could see a light, brief dusting.

The early onset of fall-like weather is short-lived. Highs will continue to sit in the mid- to upper-60s through Saturday before skies dry and warm Sunday.

Summer heat warmth returns by the start of next week as highs return to near-average temperatures. Some long-range weather forecasts are putting Portland close to the 90s by the end of next week.