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When will the smoke in Portland clear? Gradual improvement Friday with big change expected this weekend

KGW Chief Meteorologist Matt Zaffino said Portland and Western Oregon will be trading the smoke for clouds and rain, and we'll notice the effects over the weekend.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland and much of Oregon has been dealing with harmful air quality for a week as wildfires continue to burn across the state. On Wednesday, the air quality in the Portland metro area and Salem remained hazardous and much of Western Oregon ranged from very unhealthy to hazardous. Check the air quality in your area

There should be some change though in the coming days, according to KGW Chief Meteorologist Matt Zaffino.

“Would we ever trade clouds and rain and wind for smoke, and you know what, that’s exactly what we’re going to do,” he said.

Smoke, and likely unhealthy air, is expected to stick around on Thursday. There may be minor improvements Thursday evening.

Credit: KGW
Smoke forecast in Portland, Oregon on Thursday at 2:30 p.m.

An offshore system will move inland Thursday night and Friday, Zaffino said. The main change begins on Friday when the smoke is expected to start breaking up. Zaffino said to expect gradual improvement before the weekend arrives. Smoke forecast models show what appears to be a thinning of the smoke in Portland and Western Oregon on Friday.

Credit: KGW
Smoke forecast in Portland and Oregon on Friday at 6:30 a.m.

The noticeable improvement comes over the weekend, according to Zaffino. He said that’s when the smoke is going to get pushed by the offshore system coming from the Northwest, which will bring cooler and smoke-free air.

Credit: KGW
Smoke forecast in Portland and Oregon on Saturday at 8 p.m.
Credit: KGW
Smoke forecast in Portland and Oregon on Sunday at 3 p.m.

Rainfall is also expected in the coming days. Portland could get up to a half-inch of rain by Saturday night and Salem could see up to a quarter-inch.

Credit: KGW
Rainfall projections in Portland and Oregon by Saturday night

“It may not completely end fire season but it will greatly diminish the fires and fire season will have been dealt a good blow,” Zaffino said.

RELATED: Air Quality Alert continues, rain on track for Thursday night

RELATED: VERIFY: Is the smoke from wildfires impacting my water? Will ash hurt my car?

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