Oregon wakes to the sound of rain drumming steadily across rooftops in the Rogue Valley. Headlights reflect off wet pavement, fog clings to low spots, and darker clouds stack up to the west.
A multi-day stretch of unsettled Weather is developing across southern Oregon, with Medford facing periods of steady rain through Friday, December 19. National Weather Service data shows rain chances near 90 to 100 percent Thursday and Friday, with up to three-quarters of an inch possible by Friday evening.
This morning starts damp and cool, with temperatures near the upper 40s to low 50s. Rain continues in waves, becoming more persistent as the day wears on. By Thursday, showers turn steadier, and visibility drops during heavier bursts.
Travel impacts build quickly. Drivers along I-5, Highway 62, and Highway 99 should expect slick pavement, reduced visibility, and ponding water in low-lying areas. Fog may redevelop during early morning and evening hours, adding another hazard layer.
Snow stays confined to higher elevations for now. Snow levels hover between 3,800 and 4,500 feet, keeping valley floors wet instead of icy. Still, meteorologists flag this as a Winter tease, especially for mountain passes and holiday travelers heading north or east.
Friday remains wet and cool, with rain lingering into the evening. Temperatures stay above freezing, but saturated roads increase the risk of accidents. While no winter alerts are posted locally, the pattern signals a more active winter setup across the Pacific Northwest.
Looking ahead to Christmas travel weekend, showers continue into Saturday before easing slightly. For now, conditions favor rain over snow in Medford, but colder air nearby means travelers should stay alert for rapid changes.
What to do now:
Slow down on wet roads. Allow extra travel time. Watch for fog at dawn and dusk.
Five-Day Outlook for Medford, OR
- Today: Rain, high near 45
- Thursday: Showers likely, high near 57
- Friday: Steady rain, high near 51
- Saturday: Chance of showers, high near 47
- Sunday: Rain likely, high near 49
