Medford, OR – Active weather will continue across southern Oregon and northern California through Friday, bringing a combination of gusty winds, heavy rain, and accumulating mountain snow that could impact travel and outdoor plans during the holiday week.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, Tuesday into Wednesday will feature strong, gusty south winds, especially early Wednesday, along with rain in valleys and snow in the mountains. Snow levels during this period are expected to remain relatively high, between 5,000 and 7,000 feet, with 5 to 12 inches of new snow possible in higher elevations of the Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains.
More significant impacts are expected Wednesday night through Friday, as a stronger system moves through the region. Forecasters say this period will bring moderate to heavy rain, heavy mountain snow, and continued strong winds. Snow levels are forecast to drop to around 5,000 feet Wednesday night, then fall further to near 4,000 feet Thursday night into Friday, increasing the risk of snow-covered roads across mountain passes and portions of the Mount Shasta region.
The heaviest precipitation is expected across northern California, with significant snow impacts above 4,500 feet, while southern Oregon may also see hazardous travel conditions due to wind and snow in higher terrain. Strong south winds could affect the coast, Shasta Valley, mountain ridges, and east side, potentially leading to difficult driving conditions for high-profile vehicles.
Looking ahead, Friday night into early next week is expected to turn colder and drier, with lingering light snow showers above 4,000 feet tapering off by Friday night. Cold nights, patchy fog, and low morning clouds are possible over the weekend, especially in west-side valleys.
Travelers are encouraged to check road conditions with ODOT and Caltrans, carry winter supplies when traveling through mountain areas, and monitor forecast updates as conditions evolve.
