Heat, haze peaks Thursday around the PNW

The heat and haze continues to worsen around much of the Portland, Vancouver metro area Thursday.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The heat and haze continue to worsen around much of the Portland, Vancouver metro area Thursday.

Unhealthy air quality is possible today as summer temperatures climb into the low to mid 90s. Thursday will be the warmest day of the week with potentially some of the worst air quality seen so far this year.

The smell of smoke is possible for some as wildfires continue to burn across the Pacific Northwest. Smoke from wildfires in western Washington will push into the Willamette Valley through the day Thursday. Limiting the time spent outside, especially if you are sensitive to smoky conditions.

The lack of rainfall will keep the wildfire threat elevated along with the polluted skies. Summer heat will slowly start to fade by the weekend. That's when clearer skies and less wildfire smoke is expected in western Oregon and southwest Washington.

Temperatures look to cool early next week with few more clouds at times. No significant rainfall is expected for the next week in Portland.

Stay with the KOIN 6 Weather Team as Oregon and Washington's wildfire season ramps up the August.