Portland feels the heat Wednesday

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The summer sizzle continues on as afternoon highs return to the mid 90s Wednesday in Portland. Oregon and Washington's latest heat streak continues through the weekend.

Breezy conditions over the next several days will keep the wildfire threat elevated. Gusts in some Willamette Valley locations could near 25 mph during the late afternoon and early evening hours.

Breezy and hot conditions continue to be fueled by the heat dome over the desert southwest.

High pressure continues to throw summer-like heat toward Oregon and Washington. It's expected to move east later this week. That will help cool temperatures slightly as a trough of low-pressure approaches brings in cooler temperatures by the end of the weekend.

Oregon and Washington's fire threat will likely remain as hot, dry, and breezy conditions remain across the Pacific Northwest. Rain chances don't return to the region until the middle of next week.

Rain accumulation and locations are uncertain at this time. If this rain potential remains in the forecast, then the threat of wildfires will improve and rainfall totals for July will amount to more than a trace.