Medford, OR – An active stretch of weather is returning to southern Oregon and northern California this week, with multiple storm systems, gusty winds, and periods of heavy rain expected through Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, the first in a series of weather fronts arrives late Sunday night into Monday. This initial system is relatively weak, but will bring increasing winds and light to moderate rain, mainly along and west of the Cascades.
A stronger front arrives late Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing gusty winds across the region, with the strongest winds along the coast and east of the Cascades, where damaging winds are possible. Forecasters expect widespread rainfall, with the heaviest totals along the coast and Cascades. Snow levels during this period remain high, between 6,000 and 8,000 feet, keeping most winter impacts limited.
Showers are expected to linger into Wednesday, with snow levels briefly lowering to 4,500–5,000 feet, bringing light snow to the Cascades.
The most impactful system of the week arrives Thursday into early Saturday in the form of an atmospheric river. This system is expected to bring a longer duration of strong winds and moderate to heavy rainfall, again focused on the coast and higher terrain. Snow levels rise back to 6,000–7,000 feet Thursday, limiting winter impacts initially.
By Friday night into Saturday morning, snow levels drop to 3,500–4,000 feet, which could bring minor snow impacts to the Cascades and east side areas. Gusty winds during this period may cause difficult driving conditions and isolated power outages.
Forecasters say flooding concerns remain low due to currently low river levels and minimal snowpack, though ponding on roadways is possible during periods of heavy rain. The Coquille River will be monitored later in the week as systems move through.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, especially those traveling through mountain passes or living in wind-prone areas.
