Medford, Ore. – Southern Oregon will face repeated rounds of thunderstorms through Wednesday as an unstable monsoonal air mass settles over the region, raising the risk for lightning, hail, and possible new fire starts.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, storms will develop daily and at times overnight across Siskiyou, Modoc, Klamath, Lake, Jackson, Josephine, and eastern Douglas counties. Gusty winds and frequent lightning are the main threats, with storms capable of sparking wildfires in dry vegetation.
Communities from Medford to Klamath Falls and Grants Pass should prepare for sudden downpours and dangerous lightning. Outdoor activities on mountain summits, lakes, or wide-open fields could quickly turn hazardous. Officials urge residents and visitors to seek sturdy shelter if thunder is heard and to wait at least 30 minutes after the last rumble before resuming plans.
Travelers across highways 97 and 199 may encounter brief but intense storms, while rural areas face heightened fire danger if lightning ignites dry brush. Emergency managers advise having a backup plan for outdoor events and ensuring vehicles and devices remain charged in case of power outages.
Thunderstorm chances will linger through midweek, with additional watches and warnings possible if fire starts or severe winds develop.
