Oregon – Thick fog presses against headlights this morning in Pendleton, turning downtown streets into gray corridors while soft moisture settles on windshields. Visibility shrinks block by block, and the cold air feels heavy—an unmistakable December signal that travel will demand extra caution today.
According to the National Weather Service, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m., with visibility dropping to a quarter mile in the Foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains. Drivers crossing Highway 11, I-84 on ramps, and rural connectors near Athena, Pilot Rock, and Weston should expect sudden drops in visibility and longer stopping distances. Use headlights and leave extra spacing through mid-morning.
Once the fog lifts, rain moves in quickly. Precipitation becomes likely by early afternoon as south winds rise to 12–15 mph, with gusts reaching 20 mph by evening. Wet pavement can hide dips and shallow pooling, especially near farmland edges and low drainage points. By Friday, persistent rain arrives with a 90% chance, continuing through Saturday as another band sweeps the region.
Temperatures hold in the mid-40s to mid-50s, preventing local snow, but meteorologists continue tracking a broader winter shift across the northern United States. Long-range models hint at lake-effect snow from December 11–17, particularly across Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and New York. Anyone planning early holiday travel through northern hubs should stay alert for potential flight delays or reroutes tied to Arctic air.
Pendleton enters a wet weekend pattern, with fog likely reforming each night. Expect slow travel early and reduced visibility again by sunrise Saturday.
Five-Day Outlook (Pendleton, OR)
• Today: Fog then rain, high 44°F.
• Friday: Rain, high 56°F.
• Saturday: Chance rain, high 52°F.
• Sunday: Rain likely, high 56°F.
• Monday: Rain likely, high 49°F.
