MEDFORD, Ore. – Clear skies stretch across the Rogue Valley this early Tuesday morning, the stars still sharp against a crisp dawn. The calm, mild air belies what’s coming — Oregon’s first significant fall weather shift is on the way, bringing cooler air, steady rain, and early snow chances in the Cascades by the weekend.
For now, Medford enjoys two more days of classic autumn warmth. Tuesday’s highs near 77°F will drop only slightly Wednesday, staying dry and comfortable under mostly sunny skies. It’s a good window for yard cleanup or travel across southern Oregon before conditions change Thursday night.
By Friday, clouds build and a Pacific front moves inland, bringing light to moderate rain by midday. Highs slide into the mid-60s as moisture deepens and temperatures trend down through Saturday. The National Weather Service expects a noticeable shift in mountain conditions — snow levels could fall to near 4,300 feet Saturday, possibly lowering to 4,000 feet by Sunday. That includes the upper passes along I-5 north of Ashland, where early slick spots or slushy shoulders may develop if precipitation rates increase.
Weekend highs will hold near 55°F, with widespread showers likely both days. Even the valley could see the season’s first real chill by Monday morning, signaling a more winter-like pattern setting in.
After this week’s bright calm, the Rogue Valley heads into a cooler, wetter stretch — the kind that soaks fields, refreshes reservoirs, and gives southern Oregon its first hint that winter is waiting just over the hills.
Five-Day Outlook for Medford, OR:
Tue: 77/46 – Sunny and mild.
Wed: 72/46 – Mostly sunny; calm winds.
Thu: 69/51 – Clouds increasing; cooler.
Fri: 65/45 – Rain likely.
Sat: 55/42 – Rain and possible mountain snow.
