Oregon greets the morning with a muted chill across the Columbia Plateau, where cold air pools quietly around Pendleton. Frost dusts windshields, breath hangs briefly, and streets feel stiff under clear, calm skies.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, early temperatures hover near the low 40s, with colder pockets dropping closer to freezing. Light winds and lingering clouds overnight allowed heat to escape quickly, setting up a classic winter cold snap for the region.
Across Umatilla County, mornings stay cold through the weekend. Overnight lows dip to around 31 degrees, creating a frost risk for exposed pipes, vehicles, and sensitive plants. Drivers heading out early should watch for slick spots on bridges and shaded roads, especially along Highway 11 and I-84 ramps.
Afternoons improve noticeably. Sunshine pushes highs into the low 50s today and Saturday, offering brief relief from winter’s bite. To be fair, the contrast feels sharp. Heavy coats work at sunrise, while lighter layers feel better by afternoon.
A slight chance of rain lingers early, but conditions remain mostly dry through Sunday. Skies turn partly sunny by Sunday afternoon, and temperatures edge upward. By early next week, highs approach the upper 50s, signaling a gradual pattern shift.
Meteorologists continue tracking a very active winter setup across the nation, including snow and flooding elsewhere. Locally, Pendleton avoids major storms for now, but cold nights remain the primary concern. Flash freezing can occur where moisture refreezes after sunset, so caution stays important even on dry days.
Protect plants, check outdoor pets, and plan extra time for morning travel. Warmer afternoons help, but winter mornings still rule. How cold did it feel when you stepped outside today?
Five Day Weather Outlook for Pendleton, Oregon
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 52°F
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 50°F
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 52°F
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high near 58°F
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 58°F
