PENDLETON, Ore. – A thin veil of frost coats windshields across the valley this early Tuesday morning, glinting under the first streaks of dawn. The air feels crisp and still — the first true sign that fall’s chill has arrived in eastern Oregon. But this calm spell won’t hold for long.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, areas of frost are likely before sunrise, with lows near 35°F. Skies clear quickly, leading to a bright, warm Tuesday with highs near 68°F. The middle of the week remains comfortable and mostly sunny, but change is brewing over the Pacific. A developing front will begin to shift east by late Thursday, pulling moisture toward the Columbia Basin and Blue Mountains.
By Friday, expect the first chance of rain since early October. Light showers may begin by late morning, strengthening into the evening with a chance of brief downpours. Highs fall into the upper 60s, while nighttime temperatures settle in the low 40s — still well above freezing but marking a steady cooling trend.
As the weekend unfolds, the weather turns damp and cooler, with highs dipping into the low 60s Saturday and widespread rain likely across Umatilla County and beyond. Farmers and ranchers may welcome the moisture, but residents should plan for slick rural roads and slower travel through Sunday.
After a week of golden autumn calm, eastern Oregon is bracing for its first wet and wintry taste of late fall, signaling that the long, dry run may finally be giving way to the season ahead.
Five-Day Outlook for Pendleton, OR:
Tue: 68/35 – Frost early, then sunny.
Wed: 65/38 – Mostly sunny, light winds.
Thu: 67/42 – Partly sunny; clouds increasing.
Fri: 70/40 – Rain likely late.
Sat: 61/38 – Rain continues; cooler.
