PENDLETON, Ore. – A damp chill hangs over the Columbia Plateau this morning, with the smell of wet earth returning to the air. Clouds are thickening once again across Umatilla County, setting up several days of unsettled, early November weather that will keep roads slick and skies gray through midweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a new round of light rain will develop later today and strengthen Tuesday into Wednesday. Rainfall will vary, but most areas from Pendleton to La Grande and along I-84 should see steady precipitation totaling a half-inch or more by Wednesday evening. Winds stay mostly calm, though isolated gusts could reach 20 mph as a weak front moves through.
Commuters should expect slower travel times, wet roads, and reduced visibility through early Wednesday. Daytime highs will remain near 56°F with chilly lows dipping into the mid-30s — cold enough for some early frost in higher valleys if skies briefly clear Thursday morning.
By Thursday and Friday, rain chances taper off, replaced by partly cloudy skies and cool, calm air. The weekend looks pleasant and dry — a welcome break for outdoor cleanup or early holiday errands — before another wet system approaches next week.
For now, the steady rhythm of November rain marks Oregon’s gradual shift toward winter. Keep headlights on, tires checked, and patience close at hand as damp days settle back into the Northwest routine.
Five-Day Forecast for Pendleton, OR:
Mon: 50/35 – Mostly cloudy; chance of late rain.
Tue: 56/41 – Cloudy; steady rain developing.
Wed: 63/42 – Rain likely; breezy at times.
Thu: 61/43 – Partly sunny; drier trend.
Fri: 58/33 – Chilly morning; bright and cool.
