Mild middle of week weather for western Oregon, Washington

Seasonal temperatures and sunshine remain around the Portland, Vancouver metro area on Wednesday.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Seasonal temperatures and sunshine remain around the Portland, Vancouver metro area on Wednesday.

Afternoon highs will return to the low to mid-80s on Wednesday - about normal for this time of the year. Sunny skies will also continue as haze lingers along the horizon. Clouds will increase slightly along the coast as a light drizzle or two is possible during the morning hours.

Air quality will continue to suffer in eastern Oregon and Washington as fires continue to burn. The threat of additional wildfires starting is at an elevated level. Thunderstorms are likely during the afternoon and evening hours. Some storms could turn severe with damaging winds, large hail, frequent lightning and flash flooding. Elevated fire danger is also expected due to the abundant lightning. New wildfire starts are possible due to the potential lightning strikes.

Summer heat will dip on Thursday around the Portland, Vancouver metro area. This is due to a shallow trough moving through the Pacific Northwest. Temperatures will rebound again and move back into the low to mid 80s by the end of the week.

Temps then hover in the lower 80s into early next week. We'll likely wrap up the month with below-normal temperatures, but keeping a very pleasant summer pattern in place here in Portland