Heat Breaks, Smoke Clears | Portland News

Portland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 20, 2026 · 1m

Heatwave alert: Western Oregon and southwest Washington are basking in upper 80s to low 90s under clear skies — but don’t relax, this warmth won’t last. A cool front arrives Friday with clouds, cooler temps, and scattered light rain (maybe a hundredth of an inch) plus possible thunderstorms in the Cascades and Gorge. While not a flood, this moisture helps suppress wildfire smoke and improves air quality. Skies clear by early next week, temps feel right for late August as meteorological summer ends — and yes, Portland’s still behind on rain, but it’s all part of the seasonal rhythm. Listen in…