Warm, windy weather expected in Oregon, Washington Thursday
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Warmer spring weather continues to work its way back into the Pacific Northwest Thursday as gusty winds ramp up late in the day.
Sunny skies will be found from the coast to the Cascades on Thursday as temperatures climb nearly 10 degrees above average. Afternoon highs around Portland will warm into the low 70s as stronger northeasterly winds start to take shape. Some afternoon winds could gust close to 20-25 mph during the afternoon and evening hours.
The combination of warm and breezy weather will send pollen counts soaring on Thursday and Friday. The absence of rain will keep pollen counts high through the weekend along the Willamette Valley.
Winds will continue to be gusty during the afternoon and evening hours Friday afternoon. The east, northeasterly winds expected on Friday could gust close to 30-35 mph. It's these downsloping winds that will help warm the Portland-Vancouver area into the low to mid 70s on Friday.
The above-average temperatures remain Saturday, but more clouds the chance for a few brief showers will cool temperatures into the upper-60s. Mostly cloudy skies on Sunday will keep highs in the low-60s before warming again by Monday.