Oregon’s Rogue Valley starts the morning under a cold, quiet lid of air that refuses to move. Frost clings to rooftops, fog pools near low spots, and the air feels heavy with stillness.
An Air Stagnation Advisory remains in effect until 4 p.m. today for Medford and communities across Jackson County. Calm winds and a temperature inversion are trapping pollutants close to the surface. Air quality may remain poor, especially during the morning and evening hours.
Early conditions feature temperatures near freezing with patchy fog. Visibility drops quickly in rural areas and near open fields. Drivers should expect sudden fog pockets and slick pavement from frost, especially along Highway 62 and Highway 99. Slow down and leave extra distance.
By late morning, fog gradually thins. Clouds linger, keeping temperatures muted. Highs reach the low 50s this afternoon, though the stagnant air limits meaningful improvement. People with asthma or respiratory illness should reduce prolonged outdoor activity today.
Tonight, fog redevelops after sunset. Temperatures fall back into the upper 20s, allowing frost to reform. Calm conditions continue, keeping smoke and vehicle emissions trapped near ground level.
Thursday brings a slow pattern change. Patchy dense fog forms early, then sunshine increases late morning. Highs again reach the low 50s. Thursday night stays cold, with areas of fog returning after 10 p.m.
Friday shows the clearest improvement so far. Morning fog lifts faster, sunshine dominates, and highs near 51 feel noticeably brighter. Travel conditions improve through the afternoon.
Looking ahead, the 6–10 day outlook favors near-normal temperatures for southern Oregon. Precipitation chances rise next week, which could finally help flush out lingering stagnant air.
Five-Day Outlook for Medford, Oregon:
Today: Patchy fog early, mostly cloudy, high near 52.
Thursday: Dense fog early, sunny later, high near 51.
Friday: Fog early, mostly sunny, high near 51.
Saturday: Clear and sunny, high near 50.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high near 49.
