Weather
Pendleton, OR Freeze Threat: Temperatures Plunge Oct. 23-24
Pendleton, OR – A surge of colder, drier air is expected to bring potentially season ending freezing temperatures to portions of eastern Oregon and south central Washington late Friday, Oct. 23, into
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-10-22T21:10:19.086Z
Pendleton, OR – A surge of colder, drier air is expected to bring potentially season ending freezing temperatures to portions of eastern Oregon and south central Washington late Friday, Oct. 23, into Saturday morning, Oct. 24. Overnight lows could plunge into the upper 20s and lower 30s, creating concerns for gardens, outdoor animals and exposed plumbing.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a cold front and departing upper level weather system will allow a colder air mass to settle across the region Friday night, setting the stage for widespread freezing conditions in some valleys and lower elevations.
Forecasters specifically highlighted the lower Columbia Basin, northern Blue Mountain foothills and Yakima Valley as areas that could experience their first season ending freeze.
While many higher elevation communities have already experienced freezing temperatures this fall, some lower elevation locations have remained warm enough to avoid a widespread damaging freeze.
That could change Saturday morning.
The National Weather Service forecast indicates temperatures could fall into the upper 20s and lower 30s across the affected areas, with freezing probabilities varying by location.
Some locations shown in the latest forecast have very high probabilities of temperatures reaching 32 degrees or colder, while other communities face a lower likelihood.
A season ending freeze can damage or kill sensitive vegetation, particularly plants that have not yet been protected from colder conditions.
Residents are encouraged to bring pets indoors, protect vulnerable gardens and take precautions with exposed pipes where freezing temperatures are expected.
Officials also recommend checking on elderly neighbors and others who may be especially vulnerable to colder overnight conditions.
The coldest temperatures are expected late Friday night through early Saturday morning, particularly in sheltered valleys and locations where winds become light.
Conditions may vary considerably across the Columbia Basin, foothills and nearby valleys because of differences in elevation and local terrain.
Residents across eastern Oregon and south central Washington should monitor updated forecasts before Friday evening.
Additional weather information is available at weather.gov/PDT .