Heat fades, haze remains Saturday around Portland, Vancouver

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The peak of the heat is behind Oregonians as wildfire smoke lingers across the region this weekend.

It won't be as hot Saturday around the greater Portland-Vancouver metro area but hazy skies remain. An increase in morning clouds will bring the chance for a few light raindrops to fall over the Willamette Valley early Saturday morning. Drier conditions return by the mid-morning hours with no measurable rainfall expected. Clearing skies will help warm temperatures into the upper 80s Saturday as wildfire smoke keeps air quality reduced.

Portland's air quality will slowly improve through the weekend. This comes as an onshore breeze clears out the smoke and decreases temperatures. That cooler temperature trend takes the Pacific Northwest into the middle of next week. That's where fall-like September will return to the region.

A nearly 30-degree temperature swing will take place around Portland from the record-setting high of 102 Thursday to the forecast low of 72 degrees Wednesday. A slim chance for a few light rain showers return to the area through next week.