PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A hot, sunny, and muggy afternoon quickly turned stormy Wednesday, making Portland feel like the Deep South.
The higher humidity combined with above-average temperatures helped thunderstorms develop quickly over the Pacific Northwest. Moving from south to north through the afternoon and late evening hours, Oregon and Washington saw over 8,600 lightning strikes Wednesday.
Wednesday’s thunderstorm activity has increased the wildfire threat but has also improved air quality across western Oregon and southwest Washington.
Wildfires evacuations are sweeping through Central Oregon: What to know
Not only has the air quality improved, but temperatures will return to seasonal conditions by Thursday afternoon. The thunderstorm threat moves to far eastern Oregon by Thursday afternoon…