Pendleton drivers could face slick conditions Wednesday as thunderstorms sweep across eastern Oregon, raising travel concerns along I-84 and Highway 11. Wet roads and reduced visibility may cause delays, and residents should allow extra time for evening commutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, showers and thunderstorms are likely Wednesday afternoon and evening, with storm chances peaking after 5 p.m. Rainfall amounts could reach a quarter inch in spots, and higher totals are possible under thunderstorms. Gusty winds and lightning will add hazards through the night.
Showers remain likely into Thursday morning before conditions ease slightly by late afternoon. Temperatures will cool modestly, with highs near 75 degrees Thursday and upper 70s by Friday. While Friday will bring fewer showers, scattered rainfall could still impact outdoor plans.
Residents in Umatilla and Morrow counties should prepare for sudden downpours and avoid driving through standing water. The National Weather Service urges people to keep devices charged in case of outages and secure outdoor items that could blow around.
By the weekend, drier intervals return, but light rain chances linger. Saturday offers partly sunny skies with highs in the low 80s, while Sunday cools to the mid-70s with another round of scattered showers. Early next week looks calmer, but another system may bring light rain by Monday afternoon.
The storm threat peaks Wednesday night, but showers could linger into Thursday. Residents should stay alert for weather advisories and check local updates before traveling.
Five Day Forecast for Pendleton, Oregon
- Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, high near 80.
- Thursday: Showers in the morning, high near 75.
- Friday: Chance of showers, high near 78.
- Saturday: Slight chance of showers, partly sunny, high near 83.
- Sunday: Chance of showers, high near 74.
