Pendleton, Ore. – Eastern Oregon and parts of southeast Washington are bracing for a stretch of extreme heat beginning Saturday afternoon, with highs expected to climb into the triple digits through Tuesday. Dangerous conditions could push temperatures as high as 105 degrees, raising the risk of heat-related illness across the Columbia Basin and surrounding foothills.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, an Extreme Heat Watch is in effect for north-central and northeast Oregon, including Pendleton, Hermiston, Boardman, The Dalles, and into southeast Washington from Yakima to the Tri-Cities. The watch warns of a “major to extreme risk” of heat illness, especially for people without air conditioning, young children, and seniors.
Alongside the heat, a Fire Weather Watch is posted Friday afternoon and evening for the Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon, including the Warm Springs Reservation. Breezy northeast winds up to 25 mph, combined with humidity levels as low as 10 percent, could allow fires to start and spread rapidly.
Officials urge residents to drink plenty of water, stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, and avoid outdoor burning. Drivers are also reminded never to leave children or pets in parked cars, as interiors can heat to deadly levels within minutes.
Heat alerts remain in effect through Tuesday evening, and additional fire warnings may be issued if conditions worsen.
Five Day Forecast for Pendleton, OR:
- Friday: Sunny, high near 95. Mostly clear overnight, low 58.
- Saturday: Hot, high near 98. Partly cloudy overnight, low 65.
- Sunday: High near 97, partly sunny. Overnight low 66.
- Monday: Sunny and hot, high near 99. Overnight low 65.
- Tuesday: Hot, high near 95. Mostly clear overnight, low 63.
