Medford, Oregon – Thunderstorms packing lightning, hail, and gusty winds are expected to continue moving across southern Oregon through Thursday, prompting safety warnings from the National Weather Service.
According to the NWS office in Medford, isolated to scattered thunderstorms will develop each afternoon and evening, shifting eastward through midweek. Wednesday’s storm activity will mainly impact Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lake counties, with elevated lightning risk zones centered near Medford and extending toward Ashland and Grants Pass.
By Thursday, storms are forecast to move farther east, with lightning threats persisting in the Klamath Basin and extending toward Lakeview and the Oregon-Nevada border. Outdoor workers, hikers, and campers in exposed areas such as the Cascades, Siskiyous, and high desert terrain should be especially cautious.
The main hazards include cloud-to-ground lightning, small hail, and sudden outflow winds exceeding 40 mph. Residents are urged to seek shelter at the first sound of thunder and wait at least 30 minutes after the last rumble before resuming outdoor activities.
Storm activity is expected to taper off by late Thursday, but additional advisories may be issued if new storm cells develop.
🌤 Five-Day Forecast for Medford, OR:
- Wednesday: Scattered thunderstorms, highs near 87°F, lightning risk elevated
- Thursday: Isolated storms, breezy, high near 85°F
- Friday: Partly sunny, drier, high of 86°F
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 89°F
- Sunday: Clear skies, warmer, high near 91°F
