Oregon’s Rogue Valley is gray and damp this morning, but a major winter shift is brewing by tonight. Cold mist hangs over Medford at 39 degrees, and roads remain wet ahead of a sharp drop in snow levels after sunset.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 10 p.m. this evening through 10 a.m. Thursday above 2,000 feet. A Winter Weather Advisory covers lower elevations during the same window. Forecasters expect 3 to 6 inches of snow below 2,000 feet, with 6 to 12 inches in higher terrain.
Snow develops late tonight and intensifies into Tuesday morning. The heaviest accumulation is expected before and during the Tuesday commute. Travel along I-5, Highway 140, Highway 62, and Highway 238 could become very difficult. Jacksonville Hill and higher passes face the greatest impact.
Temperatures fall into the upper 20s tonight, allowing snow to stick on untreated roads. Even valley locations may see accumulating snow by early Tuesday. Slushy conditions during the day may refreeze after sunset, raising flash-freeze concerns midweek.
Snow continues Tuesday night into Wednesday with highs near 40 degrees. Additional light accumulation remains possible before tapering later Wednesday. By Thursday, scattered rain and snow showers linger with highs in the upper 30s.
Looking ahead to President’s Day Week, a gradual warming trend builds. Highs climb back into the mid-40s to near 50 by the weekend, with more typical late-February rain replacing widespread snow.
Five Day Outlook for Medford, Oregon:
Monday: Rain, high near 46.
Tuesday: Snow likely, high near 38.
Wednesday: Rain and snow, high near 40.
Thursday: Rain and snow showers, high near 38.
Friday: Chance of rain and snow, high near 41.
