Oregon greets the day under a hard winter freeze, with stinging air and frost-coated pavement stretching across eastern valleys.
Oregon’s Weather Alert centers on dangerous cold early, then a developing midweek ice risk in Pendleton. Temperatures dropped into the teens overnight, hovering near 19 degrees early this morning. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads remain slick, especially along I-84 and rural county routes. Wind chills dipped into the low teens, making exposed skin uncomfortable within minutes.
Conditions stay mostly dry through the day as clouds linger and highs struggle toward 40 degrees. That slow warmup helps, but melting during daylight can refreeze quickly after sunset. Flash freezing remains a concern this evening as temperatures slide back into the 20s. Drivers should stay cautious after dark, even where roads look wet.
By Tuesday, clouds thicken and temperatures rise toward the upper 30s. That setup brings a key call-out: a narrow window for freezing rain Tuesday night. Light precipitation may fall as rain initially, but surface temperatures near 27 degrees could allow brief freezing rain before a changeover. Even light icing can create hazardous travel, especially on hills and untreated roads.
Wednesday brings improvement. Skies turn partly sunny and temperatures climb near 50 degrees, helping thaw any lingering ice. A few light showers remain possible late Wednesday into Thursday, but impacts look limited compared to the early-week ice threat.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook points to below-normal precipitation with near-normal temperatures into early February, suggesting calmer weather after midweek.
For now, winter remains in charge. Bundle up this morning, watch for refreeze tonight, and plan ahead for possible icy travel Tuesday night. Are roads slick where you’re driving today?
Five-Day Outlook for Pendleton, Oregon
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 39°F
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 49°F
- Thursday: Chance of rain, high near 48°F
- Friday: Chance of rain, high near 51°F
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 55°F
