Oregon – Cold air sits heavy in the Rogue Valley this morning, pooling near the ground and dulling the sunrise. Breath fogs instantly, car doors feel stiff, and a sharp chill lingers in still neighborhoods.
Temperatures dipped near 28 degrees early, triggering freezing conditions across Medford and surrounding valley floors. Calm winds allowed cold air to settle, creating slick patches on bridges and untreated roads. Frost coats windshields, rooftops, and shaded sidewalks, making the morning commute slower in spots.
An Air Stagnation Advisory remains in effect through Wednesday afternoon. Trapped air near the surface allows pollutants to build, reducing air quality across Jackson, Josephine, and Douglas counties. People with respiratory conditions may notice symptoms worsen, especially during exertion.
Drivers should expect cold starts again tonight, with lows dropping into the lower 30s. Patchy valley fog may develop, reducing visibility during early travel hours. Allow extra time, use headlights, and avoid unnecessary idling to limit pollution buildup.
Conditions begin to change midweek as clouds increase and a Pacific system approaches. Light rain chances rise late Wednesday, signaling the end of freezing mornings but introducing wet roads instead. New Year’s Day 2026 turns damp, with rain likely and highs near the upper 40s.
Rain continues into Thursday night and Friday, bringing steadier precipitation and improved air quality as mixing increases. Snow levels remain well above the valley floor, keeping winter travel impacts mainly confined to higher elevations.
Looking ahead to the first weekend of 2026, showers linger with highs in the mid to upper 40s. The pattern favors wet pavement over ice, but cold mornings could still catch drivers off guard.
Limit outdoor burning, check on vulnerable neighbors, and plan slower travel during cold mornings. Heading out early or traveling for New Year’s? What are conditions like where you are?
Five-Day Outlook for Medford, Oregon
Today: Sunny, areas of frost early, high near 52
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, chance of rain late, high near 51
New Year’s Day 2026 (Thursday): Rain likely, high near 49
Friday: Rain likely, high near 54
Saturday: Rain likely, high near 47
