Medford, Oregon — Freezing fog and stagnant air conditions prompted advisories early Thursday across southern Oregon valleys and parts of northern California, creating hazardous driving conditions and degraded air quality.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Freezing Fog Advisory remains in effect until noon PST today for central Douglas County; eastern Curry and Josephine counties; Jackson County; and western Siskiyou County, California. Visibility may drop to one-quarter mile or less, with slick surfaces possible where fog freezes on roads and bridges.
At the same time, an Air Stagnation Advisory continues until 10 a.m. PST Tuesday for valley locations in Douglas, Josephine, and Jackson counties. Forecasters said a persistent temperature inversion and light winds are trapping pollutants near the surface, leading to poor air quality, particularly during overnight and morning hours.
Communities affected include Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Roseburg, Jacksonville, Shady Cove, Myrtle Creek, Canyonville, Cave Junction, Rogue River, and Umpqua in Oregon, as well as Fort Jones, Etna, Callahan, Greenview, Scott Bar, and Happy Camp in California’s Scott Valley.
The National Weather Service cautioned that low visibility could make driving hazardous during the morning commute. Drivers are advised to slow down, use headlights, and increase following distance. People with respiratory conditions are urged to limit outdoor activity and follow medical guidance during periods of stagnant air.
Conditions are expected to improve later today as fog lifts, though air quality issues may persist in valleys through early next week until stronger mixing develops. Motorists and residents should continue monitoring official forecasts and advisories for updates.
