After a relatively quiet weekend, a classic early-November pattern is taking hold across Central Oregon: overcast skies, cooling daytime highs, and the first real overnight freeze risk of the season. Jefferson County residents — from Madras to Crooked River Ranch to the Warm Springs area — should be prepared for a noticeable shift this week.

What to Expect Monday and Tuesday

Monday brings mostly cloudy skies to the region, with high temperatures expected in the low-to-mid 50s Fahrenheit in the Madras area. Overnight, temperatures will drop to around 31 degrees — just below freezing — with light winds shifting to the southwest after midnight, according to the National Weather Service.

That overnight low is the critical number for anyone with outdoor interests. A hard freeze in early November can damage unprotected late-season crops, unharvested garden beds, and outdoor irrigation lines that haven't been winterized yet.

Ranchers and Farmers: Time to Winterize

Jefferson County's agricultural community should treat this week's forecast as a firm signal to complete fall winterization tasks:

  • Check automatic livestock waterers and water troughs — overnight freezes can shut off water access by morning
  • Drain and blow out irrigation lines that won't be used through winter
  • Move cold-sensitive equipment and chemicals into covered storage
  • Verify that any remaining unharvested crops are protected or prioritized for harvest

Jefferson County's OSU Extension Service office in Madras can provide guidance on cold-weather preparation for area crops and livestock operations.

Road Conditions

Overnight freeze temperatures mean frost on bridges and shaded roadway sections by early morning. Drivers on Highway 26, Highway 97, and county roads throughout Jefferson County should allow extra time and watch for slick spots — especially in the early-morning hours before temperatures rise.

Motorists traveling over the Cascades toward Mt. Hood or the Sisters/Bend corridor should check pass conditions at tripcheck.com before departing. November weather in the mountains can change rapidly.

Looking Ahead: Winter Outlook Coming

NOAA's next El Niño update is scheduled for November 12, followed by a full seasonal temperature and precipitation outlook on November 19. Those forecasts will give farmers, ranchers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts a clearer picture of what this winter may hold for Central Oregon.

Current conditions and the Madras-area forecast are available at weather.gov. Central Oregon road conditions are at tripcheck.com.