Medford, Oregon – A drier-than-usual mid-January pattern is expected to settle in along the Oregon–California border next week, limiting rain and mountain snow chances from Monday through Friday.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, southern Oregon and far northern California are favored for below-normal precipitation during the January 12–16 period. With temperatures expected to remain near to slightly above seasonal averages, the lack of strong Pacific storm systems should significantly reduce widespread rainfall and snowfall across the region.
Communities including Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, and Yreka may see extended dry stretches with only isolated, light showers at times. Snow chances appear limited outside of higher elevations of the Siskiyou Mountains and southern Cascades, where brief, light snow showers are still possible but not expected to be persistent. Travel routes such as Interstate 5, Highway 97, and mountain passes including Siskiyou Summit are less likely to see winter weather impacts during this period.
Oregon and California transportation officials caution that even during quieter patterns, overnight cooling can lead to patchy fog or isolated slick spots in valleys and shaded mountain areas. Drivers should remain alert during early morning travel.
The drier trend is expected to hold through the workweek, though precipitation chances could increase later if the Pacific storm track shifts. For now, weather-related disruptions along the Oregon–California border appear limited through Friday.
