Oregon starts the morning with a sharp chill across the Columbia Plateau, as clouds hang low and flakes briefly mix with rain near Pendleton. Headlights cut through damp air, and the cold ground hints at slick spots forming fast as winter travel ramps up.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a rain-snow mix is possible early today, especially before midmorning, with snow levels around 1,700 feet. While accumulation remains light, gusty winds and falling temperatures increase the risk for slick pavement during early drives.
By later today, skies brighten at times, but the bigger concern arrives after sunset. Patchy fog develops this evening, turning into widespread freezing fog overnight. Lows drop into the mid-20s, allowing moisture to freeze quickly on roads, bridges, and overpasses. Black ice may form with little warning, particularly along I-84, Highway 11, and rural stretches across Umatilla County.
Sunday offers limited relief. Fog lingers early, then breaks into filtered sunshine by midday. Highs stay near the upper 30s, helping some melting, though shaded areas may remain slick longer. Travel improves through the afternoon, creating a narrow window for safer movement.
Cold conditions persist into early next week. Monday and Tuesday bring patchy fog each morning and lows in the low 20s, followed by mostly dry afternoons. To be fair, this stretch stays quieter than recent storms, but freezing mornings keep risks elevated.
Looking ahead, clouds increase by midweek, with rain chances returning around New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Any new moisture falling on cold ground could quickly create hazardous travel conditions.
Slow down during fog, allow extra stopping distance, and avoid sudden braking on icy roads.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Pendleton, OR
Today: Chance of rain and snow early, then partly sunny, high near 40.
Sunday: Fog early, then mostly sunny, high near 39.
Monday: Patchy fog, partly sunny, high near 37.
Tuesday: Patchy fog, partly sunny, high near 37.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 39.
