Pendleton, OR – After a stretch of crisp, dry days, Pendleton and surrounding areas are preparing for a wet weekend as a Pacific system moves inland. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pendleton forecasts rain arriving Saturday, followed by a cooler, unsettled pattern that could bring early November snow to higher elevations in eastern Oregon.
The Incident: Rain Returns to the Umatilla Valley
A clear, cold dawn began Thursday across the Umatilla Valley, with morning lows hovering in the mid-30s. The calm, moonlit skies are expected to give way to increasing cloud cover on Friday evening, signaling the approach of a weak Pacific front.
According to NWS Pendleton, Thursday will remain mostly calm, with highs near 56°F and light winds. By Saturday morning, showers will begin spreading across the Columbia Basin and Blue Mountain foothills, marking the first measurable rainfall in nearly a week.
“We’re expecting light to moderate rain during the day on Saturday, with the heaviest pockets likely along the western slopes near I-84,” forecasters said.
Rain chances will climb to 60% by Saturday night, while daytime highs should reach around 59°F before cooling into the upper 30s overnight as the front passes through.
Investigation and Forecast Details
Forecasters say the rain event will be relatively brief but impactful for travel and agriculture. Drivers along Interstate 84 and U.S. Route 395 should prepare for slick roadways, reduced visibility, and localized ponding in low-lying areas Saturday afternoon and evening.
For the region’s farmers and ranchers, the rainfall offers temporary relief from late-fall dryness, providing soil moisture gains before colder conditions return next week.
By Sunday, the rain should taper off, leaving behind partly sunny but cooler weather across Pendleton, Hermiston, and Milton-Freewater, with highs in the low 50s and overnight lows near freezing.
“The weekend system opens the door for a cooler, more active weather pattern heading into early November,” the NWS noted.
Regional Weather Pattern and Broader Outlook
Meteorologists are tracking a broader pattern change expected around November 8–10, when colder Arctic air is forecast to spill southward from British Columbia. The shift could bring the first snowflakes of the season to Meacham Pass, Tollgate, and the northern Blue Mountains.
Long-range projections suggest eastern Oregon’s higher elevations may see light snow accumulation before mid-November, while lower valleys — including Pendleton — could experience frosty mornings and patchy fog as temperatures continue to fall.
“We’re watching a more pronounced trough pattern forming along the Pacific Northwest, which increases the likelihood of snow for mountain passes,” forecasters added.
Public Safety and Travel Preparedness
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) advises motorists to check road conditions before traveling through the Blue Mountains this weekend. With wet pavement and dropping temperatures overnight, slick conditions are possible, particularly on shaded stretches of roadway.
Travelers should also ensure their vehicles are winter-ready, keeping tire chains, blankets, and emergency supplies in their cars as the region transitions into colder months.
Local officials encourage residents to clear storm drains, secure outdoor items, and monitor NWS updates for evolving forecasts through the weekend.
Background: Transitioning into the November Chill
Pendleton typically experiences its first measurable snow by late November, but forecasters note that this year’s colder pattern could arrive sooner due to early Pacific storm activity and a shifting jet stream.
Historically, Meacham Pass averages more than 10 inches of snow in November, while Pendleton averages under one inch. Even if valley snow remains limited, forecasters expect daytime highs in the upper 40s to low 50s and overnight freezes to become more frequent as winter approaches.
Ongoing Developments and What Comes Next
The NWS Pendleton office will continue monitoring the approaching Pacific front and provide updates on rain totals, wind gusts, and snow probabilities through the weekend.
Residents can stay informed through weather.gov/pendleton and local radio alerts for any travel advisories issued later this week.
By next week, forecasters anticipate another weak system brushing eastern Oregon, keeping temperatures cool and skies unsettled — a preview of winter’s return.
Conclusion
Pendleton’s calm October stretch is set to end as the first significant rain system of the month moves in Saturday. With cooler air and potential early-November snow ahead, the weekend’s weather marks a turning point toward Oregon’s winter season — a reminder to prepare for slick roads, chilly mornings, and the season’s first signs of snow.
What are your thoughts on this shifting weather pattern? Share your local updates and experiences in the comments below.
