Medford, Oregon – Headlights cut through a gray wall this morning as freezing fog settles into valleys along the California–Oregon border, coating roads with slick moisture and shrinking visibility to a quarter mile or less in spots. The fog hangs low and stubborn, turning routine drives into slow, tense crawls.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Freezing Fog Advisory remains in effect through midday for much of southern Oregon and nearby northern California. Affected areas include the Rogue Valley, Illinois Valley, Douglas County valleys, the Klamath Basin, and across Siskiyou and Modoc counties in California. Visibility may drop suddenly, especially near rivers, low-lying roads, and open fields.
Travel impacts are most pronounced during the morning hours. Portions of I-5 near Medford, Grants Pass, Ashland, and Yreka may see rapid changes in visibility. Bridge decks and shaded roadways can glaze quickly as temperatures hover near freezing. Drivers are urged to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and increase following distance.
Compounding the issue, an Air Stagnation Advisory takes effect later this morning and continues through Sunday across valley locations in Douglas, Josephine, Jackson, Klamath, and Lake counties. High pressure aloft is trapping cold air near the surface, limiting ventilation and allowing pollutants to build. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions may notice worsening symptoms, and most outdoor burning is expected to be restricted.
The fog is expected to thin later today as daylight mixes the lowest layers of air. However, clear nights and light winds allow fog to redevelop again early Saturday and Sunday. Conditions may improve briefly each afternoon, only to deteriorate again before sunrise.
If you’re traveling this morning, give yourself extra time and stay alert for sudden whiteout pockets. Are you seeing dense fog where you live or drive today?
