Pendleton, Ore. – A rare combination of searing daytime heat and glowing nighttime skies could hit Oregon this week, putting public safety and stargazers on alert. Temperatures near 102 degrees may stretch from Pendleton through the Columbia Basin while skies could light up with the Northern Lights tonight into Tuesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, an Extreme Heat Watch goes into effect Tuesday morning and continues through Thursday evening. The agency warns that prolonged exposure to heat could quickly trigger heat-related illness, especially for those without air conditioning or adequate hydration. At the same time, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center says a strong solar storm may spark visible auroras from Oregon northward and possibly across much of the U.S.
Travelers along I-84 between Pendleton and The Dalles should prepare for reduced visibility from haze and potential delays from overheating vehicles. City leaders are urging residents to stay indoors during the afternoon peak, check on vulnerable neighbors, and carry extra water if traveling.
Daily high temperature records across north central Oregon are at risk of falling Tuesday through Thursday. Skies will remain mostly clear, boosting the chance for aurora viewing after midnight. If clouds cooperate, residents may glimpse shimmering green and red light dancing on the horizon.
Warnings remain in effect through Thursday evening. Stay weather-aware, as both the heat risk and aurora visibility will update daily.
Five-Day Forecast for Pendleton, Oregon
- Tuesday: High near 99, haze, overnight low 63. Aurora chance late.
- Wednesday: Sunny, hot, high near 99. Low 65.
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 97, low 64.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 94, low 60.
- Saturday: Partly sunny with slight shower chance, high near 89. Low 58.
