PENDLETON, Ore. – Sub-freezing temperatures gripped Eastern Oregon early Tuesday as a Freeze Warning remained in effect until 9 a.m., marking one of the coldest starts of the fall season so far. Thermometers dipped as low as 28°F in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, threatening crops, garden plants, and outdoor plumbing.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, the warning covered the Blue Mountain foothills and the Simcoe Highlands, including Heppner, Pilot Rock, Condon, and Athena. Frost and freeze conditions were widespread, with calm winds allowing cold air to settle in low valleys overnight. Skies will stay mostly clear, helping daytime highs rebound into the mid-50s Tuesday and upper 50s Wednesday.
Residents across Umatilla and Morrow counties are urged to protect sensitive vegetation, drain irrigation lines, and bring outdoor pets inside overnight. Gardeners and vineyard operators should also expect continued frost risk through Thursday morning before a milder pattern takes hold.
By midweek, sunshine will dominate, with temperatures climbing into the mid-60s by Thursday and Friday. Light winds and low humidity will make for pleasant afternoons, though overnight lows will still dip into the lower 30s in sheltered areas.
According to forecasters, the calm and sunny weather should last into the weekend before a weak front brings a few light showers late Sunday.
Five-Day Forecast for Pendleton, OR:
Tue: 54/32 – Widespread frost early; sunny afternoon.
Wed: 58/33 – Clear and calm; patchy frost late.
Thu: 64/38 – Sunny and warmer; light winds.
Fri: 65/36 – Mostly sunny; pleasant and dry.
Sat: 64/44 – Mostly sunny; clouds increase late.
