Oregon begins this Saturday with crisp, dry air draped across Pendleton as early sun meets patches of lingering fog in the valley. Frost clings to fence posts and grassy edges along I-84, and the chill feels sharp enough to hint at a slow-building winter shift. With Thanksgiving just one week away, travel is already increasing, and early drivers should prepare for quickly changing conditions through the next several days.
According to the National Weather Service, Pendleton starts today sunny and calm with light winds and a high near 50. But the pattern shifts late tonight as moisture nudges into eastern Oregon, bringing a 30% chance of rain after midnight and patchy freezing fog by early Sunday. Drivers traveling before sunrise may encounter reduced visibility and thin, slick spots—especially on rural roads and higher terrain west of town.
Thursday carries the next meaningful change. Models hint at a brief rain–snow mix as temperatures hover near freezing before sunrise, an early “Winter Tease” that fits the season’s transition. Snow levels sit around 3,100–3,500 feet, so any flakes would be light, but timing matters. Even a short burst of wet snow could slow Thanksgiving travelers heading toward La Grande, Baker City, or into the Blue Mountains.
Friday improves with mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid-50s. Travel conditions look favorable, though early morning may still see light frost as calm winds settle cold air into the valley. Anyone beginning long-distance Thanksgiving trips Friday should find smooth weather across most of Umatilla County.
By the weekend, temperatures rise again. Saturday brings sunshine and highs near 57, while Sunday introduces a slight rain chance as moisture rebuilds across the region.
Five-Day Outlook
Saturday: Sunny, 50
Sunday: 20% rain, 48
Monday: Mostly cloudy, 54
Tuesday: Slight chance rain, 48
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, 46
