Pendleton, OR – Intense heat will grip Eastern Oregon and parts of Washington through Tuesday evening, with temperatures climbing near 100 degrees. The conditions create a significant risk for heat-related illnesses across the region. A heat advisory remains active for several communities until 9 p.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service office in Pendleton, high temperatures are expected to range between 96 and 103 degrees. The advisory covers the foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon and Washington’s Lower Columbia Basin. This includes the cities of Pendleton, the Tri-Cities, Walla Walla, and Prosser. Overnight lows will offer little relief, remaining in the upper 60s for many.
The extreme heat presents a danger to sensitive groups. The elderly, children, and individuals without access to effective cooling are most at risk. Residents are urged to check on relatives and neighbors. Motorists traveling along major routes like Interstate 84 should be prepared for potential vehicle issues caused by high temperatures. This level of heat can significantly increase the risk of tire blowouts and engine overheating, demanding extra caution on the road.
Officials recommend staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and remaining inside air-conditioned rooms. Strenuous outdoor activities should be rescheduled to the cooler morning or evening hours. Recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is crucial. Heat stroke is an emergency, and anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location before calling 911. For information on local cooling shelters, residents can dial 2-1-1.
Relief from the intense conditions is expected to begin after the advisory expires. Temperatures will trend downward starting Wednesday, offering a break from the dangerous heat. Sunny skies are expected to continue through the week and into the weekend, with more moderate daytime highs.
Here is a look at the extended outlook for the Pendleton area:
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny with a high near 91. Gusts could reach 21 mph.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny with a high near 84.
- Friday: Sunny with a high near 80 and an overnight low around 48.
- Saturday: Sunny with a high near 82.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high reaching near 84 degrees.
