PENDLETON, Ore. – The calm, crisp air across Eastern Oregon this Thursday morning won’t last long. Clouds are already building along the Cascades, signaling the next in a line of Pacific systems set to bring rain, cooler air, and a hint of early winter pattern change by Friday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, light winds and mild sunshine will give way to thickening clouds Thursday evening. Rain will develop by midday Friday and increase through the afternoon, with gusty southwest winds up to 20 mph. The heaviest showers are expected Friday night into Saturday morning, dropping up to half an inch across Umatilla and Morrow counties. Travel along I-84 from La Grande to Boardman could be slick at times, especially during heavier bursts of rain.
Temperatures will fall noticeably behind the system—highs dropping from near 70°F Thursday to the mid-50s by Sunday. Saturday remains damp and breezy, with a chance of isolated thunderstorms or brief downpours. By Sunday, the steady rain may ease but scattered showers are likely to persist, keeping roads wet and visibility patchy in the valleys.
While this system isn’t cold enough for valley snow, the mountains above 5,000 feet could see the first flakes of the season—a reminder that winter isn’t far behind.
Next week looks unsettled but less intense, with partly sunny breaks Monday before another wave of rain midweek. For now, Pendleton and the surrounding valley are bracing for a true taste of fall—wet fields, muddy boots, and the steady rhythm of rain on roofs once again.
Five-Day Forecast for Pendleton, OR:
Thu: 68/43 – Mostly sunny; mild, light winds.
Fri: 70/43 – Rain develops late; breezy southwest wind.
Sat: 63/36 – Rain and possible thunder; cooler trend.
Sun: 56/35 – Showers likely; cloudy and damp.
Mon: 56/36 – Chance rain; patchy clearing late.
