A wall of fog hangs over the Rogue Valley this morning, softening the streetlights and wrapping the hills in a quiet haze. Drivers creeping along Highway 99 and I-5 can barely make out taillights beyond a few car lengths — a sure sign that December’s dense fog season has settled in.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, patchy fog will persist through much of the week, keeping visibility below half a mile in some valley locations before clearing by midday. Temperatures stay mild, with highs near 58°F Tuesday and climbing toward the low 60s by Wednesday, followed by cooler mornings in the upper 30s to low 40s.
Calm winds and stable air mean fog will likely reform each evening and last into the early hours. For travelers, this combination of damp roads and poor visibility means extra caution is key, especially near Central Point and Ashland where air can settle thicker in valley pockets.
By Thursday, high pressure takes hold, bringing sunny afternoons and light winds. Skies will stay mostly clear into the weekend, offering a welcome break for anyone ready to string holiday lights or plan outdoor errands. Another weak system may brush southern Oregon by late Sunday, bringing only a slight chance of light rain.
Five-Day Outlook (Medford, OR)
• Tuesday: Patchy fog, high 58°F.
• Tuesday Night: Dense fog, low 41°F.
• Wednesday: Fog then sunny, high 61°F.
• Thursday: Sunny, high 59°F.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, high 59°F.
• Saturday: Sunny, high 58°F.
