PENDLETON, Ore. – A crisp October weekend is ahead for eastern Oregon as mild sunshine gives way to cooler air and scattered showers by Sunday. The brief stretch of dry, warm weather will end with a pattern shift that could make for slick roads and damp fall events across Umatilla County and along I-84.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, southeast winds on Friday will turn gusty from the west as clouds build later in the day. Highs will climb into the mid-70s before cooler Pacific air slides in Saturday. Showers are expected to develop Saturday afternoon, with steadier rain possible Saturday night into Sunday. Gusts could reach 30 mph on exposed ridges, reducing visibility for weekend drivers.
NWS meteorologists say Sunday’s highs will fall into the upper 50s as scattered showers linger into Columbus Day. Light rain could make local roads, including I-84 and U.S. 395, slick during morning commutes. Campers, pumpkin patch visitors, and leaf-peepers should prepare for wet ground and breezy conditions.
By Tuesday, skies will clear again, offering a stretch of cool, sunny fall days ideal for outdoor cleanup or late-season planting. Residents are urged to secure outdoor decorations, check wiper blades, and allow extra travel time as the first true fall system passes through the region.
Five-Day Forecast for Pendleton, OR:
Fri: 74/41 – Mostly sunny; breezy late, gusts near 25 mph.
Sat: 61/42 – Showers develop; cooler air moves in.
Sun: 57/38 – Scattered showers; breezy and cooler.
Mon (Columbus Day): 59/33 – Chance of showers early, then partly sunny.
Tue: 63/35 – Sunny and mild; calm fall day.
