Oregon – Headlights fade into a white wall across the Rogue Valley as freezing fog clings to streets, fields, and overpasses. Ice coats windshields and pavement early, creating dangerous travel conditions that can change by the minute.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Freezing Fog Advisory remains in effect through late morning, with visibility as low as a quarter mile. Temperatures sit near 25 degrees, allowing fog droplets to freeze on contact. An Air Stagnation Advisory also remains in place through the weekend, trapping cold air in the valley.
The most hazardous conditions stretch along I-5, Highway 99, and secondary roads around Medford, Central Point, and Phoenix. Bridges and shaded intersections are especially slick. Drivers should slow down, avoid sudden braking, and leave extra space between vehicles through late morning.
Fog gradually thins before midday as sunshine breaks through. Even then, icy patches may linger on untreated roads. Afternoon highs reach the mid-40s, helping melt residual ice but not eliminating refreeze risks after sunset.
Freezing fog redevelops again tonight and into Saturday morning. Similar conditions repeat early Saturday before clearing late morning, with highs near 43. Saturday night turns cloudy, limiting fog coverage somewhat as temperatures hold in the mid-30s.
Sunday marks a noticeable shift. Partly sunny skies push highs into the mid-50s, improving travel and outdoor conditions. MLK Day Monday brings the warmest stretch yet, with sunshine and highs near 57, offering a welcome break from winter hazards.
Looking ahead, mild afternoons continue early next week, though cold mornings persist. Plan extra time for early drives and watch for black ice during foggy hours. How slick were roads where you drove this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Medford, Oregon
- Today: Freezing fog early, then sunny, high near 44
- Saturday: Freezing fog early, then sunny, high near 43
- Sunday: Partly sunny, warmer, high near 55
- MLK Day Monday: Sunny, high near 57
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 56
