Pendleton, Oregon – Cold and dry winter weather will dominate the first half of the week across eastern Oregon, with overnight lows plunging into the low to mid-20s before a noticeable shift arrives by the weekend.
Temperatures in Pendleton are expected to bottom out near 24 degrees Tuesday morning, with similar lows Wednesday and Thursday. Daytime highs will struggle to climb out of the upper 30s and lower 40s, keeping conditions chilly despite abundant dry weather. According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a stable pattern of high pressure is responsible for the cold nights and lack of precipitation through at least midweek.
Nearby communities will see comparable cold. La Grande and John Day are expected to dip into the teens during the coldest mornings, while Walla Walla and Hermiston hover in the lower to mid-20s. The dry air will help prevent icy roads in most locations, but shaded spots, bridges, and untreated surfaces may still become slick during the early morning hours.
According to forecasters, the pattern begins to change late Friday into the weekend as moisture returns to the Pacific Northwest. Rain chances increase for lower elevations, while mountain snow redevelops in the Blue Mountains and Cascades. Travelers heading over higher passes should prepare for winter driving conditions by late Saturday and Sunday.
Residents are urged to protect exposed pipes, bring pets indoors overnight, and dress in layers during the cold mornings. While the cold is not expected to be extreme, several consecutive freezing nights can still stress infrastructure and agriculture.
