Nice weekend weather in Oregon, better air quality for some

This will be another great weekend to enjoy the outdoors with temperatures warming into the low to mid-80s seasonal range. But first how 'bout the smoke?

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – This will be another great weekend to enjoy the outdoors with temperatures warming into the low to mid-80s seasonal range. But first how 'bout the smoke?

The wildfire smoke that stretched across western Oregon Friday was due to a wind direction change in our winds aloft. Air quality did turn moderate for the afternoon in Portland. Saturday, however, winds aloft and at the surface will be more uniform coming from the west-northwest all day and all weekend.

The onshore flow opens the door to the ocean air. Essentially all the wildfire smoke that had crept over to the west side of the Cascades will now push back to the east. This means better air quality for some — that being western Oregon. Eastern Oregon will be back under the thickest smoke with air quality expected to sit in the unhealthy category again.

Word to the wise traveler - check highway cameras and wildfire cams before running off to your destination. You'll need to make note of fire locations and wind direction. Also, campfires are prohibited on forest grounds during this time.

Rain returns to the Willamette Valley and could be statewide early next week. That also comes with cooler temperatures in the upper 70s.