Coolest Fourth of July in years expected around Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A cooler Fourth of July is taking shape across the greater Portland/Vancouver area Friday.

Summer heat has plagued the Pacific Northwest over the last two years during the start of July. This year, Portland and much of western Oregon and southwest Washington will enjoy highs in the mid to upper 70s. Cloudier skies are expected to start the day off with patchy clouds and some clearing into the afternoon and evening hours.

Those heading out to the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival should prepare for warm temperatures in the sun. Sunscreen and sunglass will help reduce the threat of being overly exposed to the sun. The fireworks show will include mainly clear skies and temperatures cooling into the low 60s by the end of the event on Friday.

Thunderstorms will continue to tear through central Oregon into Friday afternoon. A few severe thunderstorms are possible as strong winds and abundant lightning poses the biggest threat to wildfires starting.

Temperatures will continue to warm over the weekend as a drying pattern starts to take shape over central and eastern Oregon. Willamette Valley temperatures are expected to end up in the mid-80s by the end of the weekend.

Toasty summer temperatures will return early next week with highs climbing into the low to mid 90s. This latest round of high heat isn't expected to last any longer than a few days. A gradual cooling trend will take shape later in the week.