PENDLETON, Ore. – A wet and windy Saturday is sweeping across Eastern Oregon, with gusts topping 30 mph and showers lingering through the Columbus Day weekend. The steady rain is expected to taper by late Sunday, but cooler air will follow closely behind, hinting at a brief early-week chill and possible frost midweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, widespread showers are expected through Sunday evening, with winds from the southwest reaching 25 to 30 mph along I-84 and U.S. 395. Drivers should use extra caution on exposed roadways and mountain passes, as wet pavement and falling leaves could reduce traction. Rain totals will remain light—under a tenth of an inch per period—but gusty conditions could knock down small branches or outdoor decorations.
By Columbus Day, conditions will start improving. Sunshine should return across the foothills and valleys, though temperatures will dip sharply Monday night, bottoming out near freezing by early Tuesday. Homeowners are urged to secure patio furniture, check outdoor Halloween displays, and protect tender plants before the midweek cold snap.
Looking ahead, high pressure will bring a stretch of sunny, crisp fall days through midweek. By Wednesday, afternoon highs may climb back into the upper 70s—ideal for pumpkin patches and leaf-peeping trips across Umatilla County.
Five-Day Forecast for Pendleton, OR:
Sat: 61/42 – Showers likely; gusty southwest winds near 30 mph.
Sun: 59/39 – Scattered showers; breezy with cooler evening temps.
Mon (Columbus Day): 59/32 – Morning showers; clearing, chilly late.
Tue: 56/33 – Mostly sunny; cold start, frost possible early.
Wed: 81/35 – Sunny, warmer; ideal for outdoor fall activities.
