MEDFORD, Ore. – The Rogue Valley wakes under a blanket of fog so thick it swallows headlights and muffles sound. Visibility in parts of Medford, Grants Pass, and along I-5 has dropped to near zero early this morning, prompting the National Weather Service in Medford to issue a Dense Fog Advisory through 9 a.m. Wednesday. Drivers should expect visibility under one-quarter mile at times, especially in valleys and along rivers.
As the fog lifts late this morning, a new system will begin shifting inland from the Pacific, signaling a dramatic weather change for southern Oregon. After two calm days, rain and gusty winds will return Wednesday, marking the first strong November storm of the month. Light showers may begin by afternoon, becoming steady rain through Wednesday night and Thursday.
Forecasters expect between a quarter and three-quarters of an inch of rainfall, with gusts up to 30 mph in exposed areas. Snow levels will fall from around 6,000 feet Wednesday to near 4,400 feet by Friday, hinting at the season’s first measurable snow in higher elevations near Mount Ashland and the Siskiyous.
Travelers on I-5 and Highway 199 should prepare for slower travel, slick roads, and pockets of dense fog through midmorning. By Thursday night, colder air will move in behind the front, dropping weekend highs into the mid-50s — a crisp reminder that winter’s transition is well underway.
Looking ahead, showers could linger into Sunday with snow levels lowering again to near 4,000 feet. For now, southern Oregon enters the week under classic November skies — gray, wet, and just a touch wintry around the edges.
Five-Day Outlook for Medford, OR:
Wed: 63/49 – Fog early; rain developing.
Thu: 57/40 – Rain; breezy.
Fri: 53/44 – Showers; cooler.
Sat: 58/42 – Chance rain; partial clearing.
Sun: 55/38 – Rain/snow mix possible in mountains.
