Warmest temps of the week arrive Thursday around Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Late spring-like heat returns to the greater Portland, Vancouver metro area as temperatures warm close to 80 degrees today.

A sunny start to the day will end with a few more high and thin clouds overhead. Expect daytime highs today in the upper 70s for most. Above-average temperatures will likely last for another couple of days in Portland.

Portland's average daytime high temperatures should be in the mid-60s for this point of April. More seasonal conditions in the mid-60s are expected by the end of the weekend.

A low system cruising offshore into northern California will increase rain chances across the state Friday into the weekend. Rain accumulation is expected to be minimal from Friday to Sunday night in Portland, as most of the rain stays in the southern parts of the state. However, a few stray rain showers or sprinkles are possible on Friday and at times throughout the weekend.

Temperatures begin to warm again next week with mainly dry conditions at this point in the forecast. The need for rain is growing as Portland's rain deficit grows to nearly an inch and a half for the month of April.