Drier, warmer weather returns to Portland area Friday

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Summer heat is on the rise as sunny and dry weather returns to the greater Portland, Vancouver metro area Friday.

Clouds will start decreasing before sunrise Friday, giving way to a mostly sunny morning. The sunny morning conditions will help push temperatures into the low 80s once again. Drier skies will come with Portland's latest warming trend. That has the potential to increase the wildfire threat slightly, but near-average temperatures and calm winds will keep conditions stable.

Another shallow trough of low pressure will move over the Pacific Northwest this weekend. It's that cooler pocket of air that will increase the clouds slightly and cool conditions by the end of the weekend. No significant rain accumulation is expected through the weekend, but a quick drizzle may amount to a few one-hundredths of an inch of rain by the end of the weekend.

Drier and sunnier weather will return to the region next week. It's those sunny skies that will help warm Portland area temperatures into the low to mid-80s by the end of next week.

Summer-like conditions are likely for the Pacific Northwest by the Fourth of July and the start of the Waterfront Blues Festival. Planning for the heat is a top priority for those spending time outside late next week.