Oregon – Cold air presses down on eastern valleys this morning as moisture spreads across the Blue Mountain foothills. Pavement stays damp, breath hangs in the air, and winter weather begins asserting itself during the first full weekend of the season.
According to the National Weather Service, rain continues early across the Pendleton area, with temperatures hovering in the mid-30s. As colder air filters in, rain mixes with snow later today and tonight. Snow levels drop toward the valley floor, though accumulations remain light for town. Higher terrain and nearby passes may pick up a dusting.
In Pendleton, slick conditions are possible along I-84 and U.S. 395 as temperatures dip toward freezing after sunset. Gusty winds may briefly reduce visibility during heavier precipitation. Drivers heading through the Blues or traveling east toward Idaho should remain alert for changing road conditions.
Saturday brings a gradual improvement, with clouds breaking and precipitation tapering. Even so, daytime highs struggle to reach the upper 30s. Once skies partially clear Saturday night, temperatures fall sharply. Lows dip into the lower 20s, setting up widespread freezing conditions.
Sunday stays partly sunny but cold, reinforcing a winter travel mindset. Any leftover moisture may refreeze before sunrise, creating patchy black ice on bridges and shaded roads. Dense fog could also develop overnight into Monday morning, further complicating early travel.
Looking ahead, cold nights linger into early next week. New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31, brings a renewed chance of rain or snow, though daytime temperatures climb closer to the low 40s as 2026 approaches.
Plan extra time today, slow down near passes, and prepare for icy mornings. Winter is settling in. Seeing snowflakes or slick spots where you are? Share what conditions look like near you.
Five-Day Outlook for Pendleton, Oregon
- Today: Rain changing to rain and snow; highs near 49 early, colder late.
- Saturday: Chance of snow early, then mostly sunny; highs near 39.
- Sunday: Partly sunny; highs near 37, very cold morning lows near 21.
- Monday: Mostly sunny; highs near 35, patchy dense fog possible early.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny; highs near 37, watching New Year’s Eve snow chances.
