Oregon — Cold air settles into the Blue Mountain foothills as gray clouds hang low over Pendleton. Breath turns visible, and damp pavement glistens under early morning headlights. The region wakes up close to freezing, with temperatures hovering near 34°F.
A developing Winter Weather pattern keeps conditions unsettled through Christmas and beyond. Light rain chances continue today and Wednesday, with daytime highs climbing into the low-to-mid 50s. Winds increase Wednesday afternoon, gusting over 30 mph at times, adding a raw edge to already chilly air.
While widespread snow stays out of town for now, cold nights remain a concern. Overnight lows repeatedly dip into the low-to-mid 30s. Any lingering moisture could refreeze by early morning, creating black ice on untreated roads, bridges, and ramps. Drivers along I-84, Highway 11, and Highway 395 should stay alert during early commutes.
Christmas Day stays mostly quiet, with a small rain chance and highs near 51°F. To be fair, travel conditions look manageable during daylight hours. Still, clouds and damp roads persist, especially during morning and evening drives.
Looking ahead to post-Christmas travel on Friday, December 26th, colder air returns. Daytime highs fall near 50°F, while nighttime temperatures drop into the upper 20s. Snow levels lower to around 2,100 feet by late Friday night, bringing a chance of rain mixing with snow outside the city and toward higher terrain.
Meteorologists are watching for a subtle warm-to-cold transition heading into the final days of December. Even light precipitation could become impactful once temperatures slide below freezing. Plan extra time if traveling early or late in the day.
Five-Day Outlook for Pendleton, OR
- Today: Mostly cloudy, chance of rain, high near 45
- Wednesday: Breezy, slight rain chance, high near 54
- Christmas Day: Partly sunny, slight rain chance, high near 51
- Friday: Chance of rain, cooler, high near 50
- Friday Night: Near 28°F, rain possibly mixing with snow
