PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — High temperatures, haze and the potential for lightning to start and spread new fires have prompted a KOIN 6 Weather Alert to be issued this weekend.
Summer temperatures returned to the mid-90s on Saturday and the skies became increasingly hazy. Smoke from wildfires already burning around the state will move into the Willamette Valley. Reduced air quality may prevent sensitive groups from spending extended periods of time outdoors.
The smoke will continue into the weekend. Sunday's extreme weather comes in the form of thunderstorms. Very little rainfall is expected, with isolated thunderstorms developing Sunday morning and afternoon. The threat of thunderstorms will increase the chance of wildfires around western Oregon and southwestern Washington on Sunday.
Rain had little impact on Portland Pride Parade participants. If anything, more clouds and a few fast-moving showers will keep temperatures slightly cooler for the parade Sunday morning and afternoon. The weather on Sunday will be more pleasant for this weekend's Cathedral Park Jazz Festival than the hot weather expected on Saturday.
