Eastern Oregon is facing a prolonged stretch of hot weather this week, with Pendleton preparing for temperatures to soar into the upper 90s by Saturday, and possibly touching triple digits early next week. The National Weather Service in Pendleton has forecasted a hot, dry stretch across Umatilla County, with daily temperature increases making the conditions even more intense.
Sunny skies will dominate the weather through Tuesday, with temperatures reaching 87°F on Wednesday before steadily rising throughout the week. By Friday, Pendleton is expected to hit 95°F, with highs nearing 97°F on Saturday and 99°F on Sunday. Light winds will continue, with gusts possibly reaching up to 18 mph on Wednesday afternoon. Despite the breezy conditions, the region will remain hot and dry.
The combination of clear skies, high temperatures, and dry conditions will significantly increase wildfire risks across northeastern Oregon. The National Weather Service has warned that dry grasses and light winds could allow fires to spread quickly, and residents are advised to avoid outdoor burning and be cautious with any equipment that might spark a blaze.
Overnight lows will provide little relief from the heat, with temperatures only cooling into the mid-50s during the week. By the weekend, the lows will remain in the mid-60s, keeping both homes and roadways warm. For those without air conditioning, finding cooling centers or shaded areas during peak heat hours will be crucial for staying safe.
The hot stretch is expected to persist through at least Tuesday, with little indication of cooler air moving into the region before midweek.
The five-day forecast for Pendleton is as follows:
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 87°F and a low around 53°F.
Thursday: Clear, with a high near 90°F and a low around 54°F.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 95°F and a low around 58°F.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 97°F and a low around 64°F.
Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99°F and a low around 64°F.
