Medford, OR – A cold air mass lingering over southwest Oregon is expected to bring frost and potential freeze conditions to several west side valleys from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Medford. Forecasters warn that temperatures could fall to rarely seen levels this season, posing risks to sensitive plants, animals, and unprotected outdoor items.
According to NWS Medford, the Medford area has a 90% chance of dropping below 36 degrees and a 50% chance of falling below 32 degrees overnight. The Applegate and Illinois valleys are also forecast to see a 50–80% chance of temperatures dipping under the freezing mark. Meanwhile, the Umpqua Valley faces a 75% chance of lows falling below 36 degrees.
Officials note that while much of the region is expected to cool sharply, fog or low cloud ceilings could trap warmth near the surface in some localized areas, potentially keeping temperatures slightly higher than forecast. Even so, frost formation remains likely across many communities from Jackson County through Josephine and Douglas counties.
Residents with vulnerable vegetation, outdoor pets, or livestock are urged to take protective measures tonight. Covering plants, providing wind shelter for animals, and ensuring access to unfrozen water sources are recommended. Forecasters emphasize that frost and freeze conditions can harm crops, ornamental plants, and sensitive livestock—especially given the unusually mild temperatures earlier this season.
The coldest readings are expected in the early morning hours before sunrise Wednesday. Conditions should gradually moderate later in the day, though additional overnight cooling may still be possible later in the week.
NWS Medford encourages residents to monitor updated forecasts as slight shifts in cloud cover could influence local temperatures.
