Medford drivers could face wet and hazardous conditions Tuesday as strong showers and thunderstorms build across southern Oregon. Heavy rain may reduce visibility on Interstate 5, creating delays during the morning and afternoon commute. Residents should prepare for possible ponding on roads and sudden slowdowns.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, scattered showers develop early Tuesday, with thunderstorms possible after 11 a.m. Winds may reach 10 mph by afternoon. Rainfall totals could exceed a quarter inch in spots, with higher amounts under thunderstorms. An 80% chance of precipitation makes widespread showers likely.
City streets in Medford, along with surrounding Jackson County highways, could see slick pavement and pooling water through Tuesday night. Isolated lightning strikes may also disrupt outdoor activities. Utility crews caution residents to charge devices in case of brief outages. Officials advise avoiding unnecessary travel during heavy downpours.
Wednesday brings another chance of storms, though coverage may lessen to 50%. Sunshine gradually returns Thursday and Friday, offering a break in the unsettled pattern. Temperatures will hover in the upper 70s through the week, a reminder that fall weather is taking hold in southern Oregon.
Residents should stay weather-aware as new advisories could follow. Updates from the National Weather Service will continue into midweek.
Five-Day Forecast for Medford, Oregon
- Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, high near 75.
- Tuesday Night: Showers tapering off, low near 58.
- Wednesday: Chance of showers and storms, high near 78.
- Thursday: Slight chance of showers, mostly sunny, high near 78.
- Friday: Partly cloudy, high near 84.
