Weather
Oregon-Washington Freeze Alert Tonight: Lows Could Hit 21°F Oct 12-13
Pendleton, OR – A widespread freeze threat is gripping portions of Oregon and Washington, …Pendleton, OR – A widespread freeze threat is gripping portions of Oregon and Washington, with temperatur
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-12T16:50:17.870Z
Pendleton, OR – A widespread freeze threat is gripping portions of Oregon and Washington, with temperatures potentially plunging as low as 21 degrees in some communities by Tuesday morning. Residents across multiple valleys, agricultural regions and mountain foothills are being urged to protect vulnerable plants and outdoor plumbing.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, freeze warnings remained in effect until 9 a.m. Monday for the Yakima and Kittitas valleys in Washington. Additional Freeze Watches cover numerous communities from 11 p.m. Monday through 9 a.m. Tuesday.
The coldest temperatures are possible in northeastern Oregon, where the Grande Ronde Valley, including La Grande, Union, Cove and Elgin, could experience lows near 21 degrees.
Wallowa County communities, including Enterprise, Joseph and Wallowa, could see temperatures fall to 25 degrees.
Elsewhere, temperatures could reach 30 degrees across portions of the Columbia Basin, north central Oregon and the Blue Mountain foothills. Communities under the watch include Pendleton, Hermiston, Boardman, Walla Walla, Tri Cities, Prosser, Goldendale and Dayton.
In Washington's Yakima Valley, temperatures could drop to 30 degrees Tuesday morning following Monday's earlier freeze warning, which forecast lows near 31 degrees.
The Kittitas Valley, including Ellensburg and Thorp, also faces another overnight cold threat, although Tuesday morning temperatures are forecast as low as 34 degrees.
Frost and freezing conditions could kill sensitive crops and vegetation, creating concerns for farmers, gardeners and homeowners throughout the affected regions.
Unprotected outdoor plumbing could also sustain damage where temperatures fall below freezing.
Residents should cover tender plants, bring vulnerable potted vegetation indoors and protect exposed outdoor water lines before temperatures drop Monday night.
A Freeze Watch indicates freezing conditions are possible, while a Freeze Warning signals that freezing temperatures are expected.
Residents should monitor updated forecasts Monday as forecasters determine whether additional freeze warnings are necessary.