Oregon’s Rogue Valley wakes under a dense, icy blanket this morning as freezing fog clings to roads, rooftops, and riverbanks. Headlights glow softly through the haze, and visibility drops fast on valley roads.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Freezing Fog Advisory remains in effect through midday, while an Air Stagnation Advisory continues through Sunday morning. Visibility has fallen to a quarter mile or less at times, with temperatures near 31 degrees allowing fog to freeze on contact.
Medford, Central Point, Ashland, and nearby communities face slick driving conditions early. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded stretches along I-5 and Highway 62 can glaze quickly. Drivers should slow down, use headlights, and leave extra distance between vehicles. Conditions may improve slightly late morning, but fog is expected to redevelop again tonight.
Beyond travel, air quality is becoming a growing concern. Light winds and a strong temperature inversion are trapping pollutants near the surface. Smoke from wood burning and vehicle exhaust lingers longer than usual, which can aggravate respiratory conditions. Officials urge residents to limit outdoor burning and reduce prolonged outdoor activity if sensitive to poor air quality.
To be fair, afternoons look calmer. Sunshine breaks through at times, pushing highs into the upper 40s today and low 50s by Sunday. Still, cold air settles back quickly after sunset, setting the stage for repeated fog and freezing conditions each morning through the weekend.
Meteorologists note the high-pressure system weakens slightly Sunday, which may help mix the air. Even so, stagnant conditions could return early next week.
Plan extra travel time this morning. Watch for sudden visibility drops. How thick was the fog where you drove today?
Five Day Weather Outlook for Medford, Oregon
- Friday: Areas of freezing fog early, high near 47°F
- Saturday: Morning fog, then mostly cloudy, high near 48°F
- Sunday: Fog early, partly sunny, high near 51°F
- Monday: Areas of fog, then partly sunny, high near 52°F
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 57°F
