Oregon – A cold, smoky haze hugs the valley floor as dawn breaks over southern Oregon. Freezing fog has settled into the Rogue Valley, coating surfaces with frost and blurring headlights along early commute routes.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Freezing Fog Advisory remains in effect through late morning, while an Air Stagnation Advisory continues through Friday morning. Visibility has fallen below one-quarter mile in spots across Jackson and Josephine counties, including Medford, Ashland, Central Point, and Grants Pass. Temperatures near 28 degrees allow fog droplets to freeze on contact, creating slick patches on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads.
Drivers across Highway 62, Interstate 5, and local valley roads should expect sudden visibility drops. Low-beam headlights, slower speeds, and extra following distance are strongly advised. To be fair, conditions may look clear one moment, then deteriorate quickly after a bend in the road.
Beyond travel issues, air quality is also a concern. Light winds and a temperature inversion are trapping pollutants near the ground. People with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions may feel symptoms worsen. Outdoor burning should be limited, and prolonged outdoor activity is discouraged.
Fog gradually thins late this morning as sunshine returns. Afternoon highs reach the upper 40s, helping melt frost and improve travel. Clear, cold nights follow, allowing patchy fog to redevelop through the end of the workweek. Air stagnation lingers until early Friday, when mixing improves.
Winter weather does not always arrive loudly. Sometimes it creeps in quietly, creating hidden risks. Are you seeing icy spots or dense fog where you’re driving today?
Five-Day Outlook for Medford, OR
• Today: Freezing fog early, then sunny. High near 47.
• Thursday: Sunny. High near 48.
• Friday: Sunny. High near 50.
• Saturday: Sunny. High near 54.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny. High near 50.
