Oregon – Cold air bites hard across eastern Oregon this morning, settling into valleys and clinging to roadways. Headlights cut through freezing fog, and the crunch of frost carries across quiet neighborhoods.
Pendleton woke up near 21 degrees, one of the coldest readings in the region. Patchy freezing fog reduced visibility early, creating slick conditions on bridges, ramps, and untreated roads. Drivers moving along I-84 and Highway 11 should expect sudden visibility drops through mid-morning.
An Air Stagnation Advisory remains in effect through Thursday midday. According to the National Weather Service, calm winds and a temperature inversion are trapping pollutants near the surface across the Lower Columbia Basin and foothills of the Blue Mountains. Air quality may deteriorate, especially during the coldest hours.
Residents with asthma or heart conditions should limit prolonged outdoor activity. Avoid outdoor burning and reduce vehicle idling when possible. The stagnant air pattern also allows cold to linger longer than usual, keeping mornings sharp and unforgiving.
Temperatures recover slowly during the day, reaching the upper 30s, but freezing fog may redevelop again tonight. Another cold start is likely Wednesday morning, with lows near 22 degrees and patchy fog returning before sunrise.
Conditions shift as New Year’s Day 2026 approaches. Clouds thicken, and rain chances increase by Thursday. The moisture helps scour out the stagnant air but brings wet roads instead. While valley snow is unlikely, freezing fog early could still cause brief slick spots before temperatures rise.
Rain chances continue into Friday with highs climbing into the mid-40s. The first weekend of 2026 trends milder, though damp, across eastern Oregon.
Plan extra travel time this morning and keep headlights on in fog. Traveling for New Year’s or commuting early? What are conditions like where you are?
Five-Day Outlook for Pendleton, Oregon
Today: Patchy freezing fog early, mostly sunny, high near 38
Wednesday: Patchy freezing fog morning, partly sunny, high near 38
New Year’s Day 2026 (Thursday): Chance of rain, high near 38
Friday: Rain likely, high near 46
Saturday: Chance of rain, high near 51
