Stormy, windy weather remains Thursday around Oregon and Washington

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Active spring weather continues to move through western Oregon and Washington Thursday as temperatures remain winter-like.

Wednesday cold front leaves behind cooler than average temperatures Thursday. Highs are only expected to climb into the low 50s Thursday. Portland's afternoon highs should be closer to 60°F by the end of March, but temperatures will remain nearly 10 degrees cooler. Despite the cooler than average temperatures, thunderstorms chances still remain elevated Thursday.

The thunderstorm potential remains over the Oregon and Washington Coast Thursday, but a few stary thunderstorms are possible along the Willamette Valley during the afternoon hours. Scattered rain showers will be the biggest impact felt across the region.

Even during moments of dry skies the wind will remain strong. Wind gusts could near 30 mph during the day Thursday with sustained winds closer to 15-20 mph. These gusty conditions will make afternoon highs in the low 50s feel slightly cooler.

A few stray rain showers will continue Friday, but much drier, sunnier and warmer weather is on the way for Oregon and Washington. Afternoon highs will begin to warm into the low 60s by the end of the week. Even warmer conditions will return to the Portland-Vancouver metro area by Easter weekend.

Sunny skies and dry weather will keep afternoon temperatures in the mid to upper 60s along the Willamette Valley this weekend.

These spring-like temperatures will take Portland into the start of next week. The next chance of rain doesn't return to the Pacific Northwest until the middle of next week.