PENDLETON, Ore. — Low gray clouds stretch across the Blue Mountains, trapping cold air and bringing a steady, bone-chilling drizzle to eastern Oregon this morning. With temperatures hovering near 34°F, residents should watch for slick spots and possible black ice, especially during early commutes and along shaded roadways.
The National Weather Service in Pendleton reports that light rain will continue through the week, with precipitation chances between 30% and 50% daily through Friday. Though snow isn’t expected in the city, a wintry mix is possible above 3,000 feet, where colder air clings to the terrain east of town. Drivers using Interstate 84 and Highway 11 should be alert for reduced traction and fog patches during morning hours.
Temperatures remain locked in a narrow range, with highs in the low to mid-40s°F and nighttime lows dropping into the upper 20s by midweek. That setup keeps the freezing line dangerously close to the valley floor—meaning even light rain could glaze over bridges or overpasses before sunrise.
Friday brings the best chance for steadier rainfall, and while accumulations should remain light—generally under a half inch—it will be enough to keep roads slick and damp into the weekend. Conditions stay unsettled into early next week, with mild temperatures and spotty showers persisting.
Five-Day Local Outlook:
- Today: Cloudy, rain chance 50%, high 41°F.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 42°F.
- Thursday: Cloudy with rain chance 40%, high 45°F.
- Friday: Rain likely, high 55°F.
- Saturday: Cloudy with rain chance 40%, high 55°F.
