Weather
Eastern Oregon Weather Alert: Near-Freezing Lows Oct 18-20
Pendleton, OR – Chilly nights are returning to northeastern Oregon, with temperatures expected to approach freezing early next week after several mild afternoons. Pendleton could see nighttime lows fa
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-15T10:11:48.216Z
Pendleton, OR – Chilly nights are returning to northeastern Oregon, with temperatures expected to approach freezing early next week after several mild afternoons. Pendleton could see nighttime lows fall to 34 degrees Sunday and Monday before reaching approximately 32 degrees Tuesday night. The colder conditions follow a weekend cooling trend that will bring afternoon temperatures down from the mid 70s into the lower 60s. Residents with sensitive outdoor plants, agricultural operations or early morning travel plans should prepare for increasingly cold conditions as the region moves deeper into October.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, temperatures are expected to reach approximately 76 degrees Friday, Oct. 16, before falling to 71 Saturday and 63 Sunday, Oct. 18. The cooling trend continues Monday, when afternoon temperatures are forecast near 61 degrees. By Tuesday, Oct. 20, highs should reach only 60 degrees, while nighttime temperatures could fall to approximately 32 degrees, placing the area near the freezing threshold.
Sunday Begins a Colder Stretch Across Pendleton Sunday will bring sunny skies and afternoon temperatures near 63 degrees, a noticeable decline from Friday's projected high of 76. The 13 degree difference over two days marks a transition toward cooler conditions across Pendleton and surrounding portions of Umatilla County.
The most significant change will occur during the nighttime hours. Saturday night temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 36 degrees, followed by a low near 34 Sunday night. Similar conditions are forecast Monday night, with temperatures again approaching the mid 30s.
By Tuesday night, the National Weather Service expects temperatures to reach approximately 32 degrees under mostly clear skies. That reading is at the freezing point, raising the possibility of frost or localized freezing conditions where temperatures reach or fall below the forecast value.
Although the supplied forecast does not identify an official freeze warning or frost advisory, residents should monitor updated forecasts as the colder nights approach.
Cold Nights Could Affect Outdoor Activities The approaching temperature decline may be particularly important for residents maintaining gardens, outdoor plants or temperature sensitive equipment. Tender vegetation can be vulnerable when temperatures approach freezing, especially in sheltered or low lying locations where colder air may collect.
Agricultural communities around Pendleton and the broader Umatilla County area may also want to monitor overnight temperatures. Actual conditions can vary by elevation, terrain and exposure, meaning some locations could experience colder readings than the official Pendleton forecast.
Motorists traveling Interstate 84, U.S. Highway 395 and nearby regional roads should prepare for colder early morning conditions. However, the supplied forecast does not indicate precipitation, icy roads or weather related closures during the period.
The colder nights will contrast sharply with the relatively pleasant afternoons expected Thursday and Friday. Thursday's forecast calls for sunshine and a high near 71 degrees after patchy morning frost, while Friday could reach approximately 76 degrees under mostly sunny skies.
Cooler Weather Continues Into Next Week Monday will remain partly sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 61 degrees before falling to around 34 overnight. Tuesday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 60, followed by the coldest nighttime temperature in the supplied forecast.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, should bring sunny skies and a modest recovery to approximately 62 degrees during the afternoon. No significant precipitation or storm systems are identified in the available Pendleton forecast.
With temperatures approaching freezing by Tuesday night, residents should consider protecting sensitive plants and preparing for colder mornings.
Are you ready for the return of near freezing temperatures across northeastern Oregon?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Patchy frost is possible before 11 a.m., followed by sunshine and afternoon temperatures near 71 degrees. Northeast winds around 6 mph are expected, with mostly clear skies and temperatures falling to approximately 36 degrees Thursday night.
Friday 10/16: Mostly sunny skies will bring temperatures near 76 degrees, making Friday the warmest day in the supplied forecast. Northwest winds around 6 mph develop during the afternoon, followed by partly cloudy conditions and a low near 41 degrees.
Saturday 10/17: Mostly sunny conditions continue, although temperatures ease to approximately 71 degrees. Mostly clear skies are expected Saturday night, allowing temperatures to fall to around 36 degrees as colder nighttime conditions begin returning.
Sunday 10/18: Sunny skies will accompany a noticeable cooldown, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 63 degrees. Partly cloudy conditions develop Sunday night, with temperatures falling to around 34 degrees, bringing the area closer to freezing.
Monday 10/19: Partly sunny skies and temperatures near 61 degrees will continue the cooler weather pattern. Mostly cloudy conditions are expected Monday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 34 degrees across the Pendleton forecast area.
Extended Outlook Tuesday, Oct. 20, is expected to bring mostly sunny skies and a high near 60 degrees. Mostly clear conditions follow Tuesday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 32 degrees, the lowest forecast reading in the supplied outlook.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, should remain sunny, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 62 degrees.