Summer heat remains around the Portland Friday

Summer-like heat remains for the greater Portland, Vancouver metro area Friday as the first full day of summer is celebrated.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Summer-like heat remains for the greater Portland, Vancouver metro area Friday as the first full day of summer is celebrated.

The official start to summer was Thursday at 1:51 p.m. So, the northern hemisphere gets to enjoy the first official full day of summer on Friday. It's going to feel like summer as afternoon and evening highs return to the low 90s along the northern Willamette Valley. This latest round of summer heat is short-lived as slightly cooler conditions return this weekend.

Those working or spending a prolonged amount of time outdoors should use extreme caution. Staying hydrated, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing while also taking breaks will be best practiced during the heat of the day. Caution should also be used around rivers as temperatures remain dangerously cold.

The lack of rainfall and warmer-than-average temperatures are keeping pollen counts high. The chance for a few light and brief rain showers is possible as early as Sunday, but will have very little impact.

The lack of rainfall as of late could increase the wildfire threat for some areas around the Pacific Northwest. Hot and dry conditions will continue to melt the Cascade snowpack and dry out a lush landscape. Extreme caution should be used over the next several days as dry and hot weather persists.

Near-normal temperatures for the end of June are expected to return to much of the Pacific Northwest by the start of next week. A slim chance for a few light rain showers is possible by the end of next week, but will likely trend drier.