Medford, Ore. – Southern Oregon residents face a tough weather mix this weekend as smoke, triple-digit heat, and storm chances converge. Drivers along Interstate 5 may encounter reduced visibility Friday evening, and Saturday football games could see delays if storms develop.
According to the National Weather Service, smoke lingers across Jackson County through Friday with highs pushing near 96 degrees. By Saturday, scattered thunderstorms and showers move in after 3 p.m., raising concerns for lightning, slick roads, and sudden downpours. Conditions remain unsettled into Sunday night, with additional shower chances and variable winds.
Outdoor plans across Medford, Ashland, and Central Point may need adjustments. Tailgaters and football fans should prepare for brief downpours, especially Saturday afternoon. Residents sensitive to smoke should limit time outdoors Friday and keep windows closed until conditions improve.
Monday and Tuesday bring cooler highs in the upper 70s but continued showers and isolated thunderstorms, keeping travel damp and unpredictable. By Wednesday, showers taper off, leaving partly sunny skies and slightly warmer conditions into Thursday.
Officials advise avoiding unnecessary driving late Saturday when storms are most likely. Keep phones charged, check ODOT updates for I-5 travel delays, and monitor weather alerts for sudden changes.
The unsettled pattern means multiple advisories could be issued through early next week. More updates are expected if storm activity intensifies.
Five Day Forecast for Medford, OR
- Saturday: High 91°F, chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Low 60°F.
- Sunday: High 86°F, scattered showers. Low 60°F.
- Monday: High 76°F, showers likely, possible thunder. Low 56°F.
- Tuesday: High 77°F, showers, chance thunder. Low 57°F.
- Wednesday: High 76°F, showers tapering. Low 55°F.
