Medford, OR – A sharp cooling trend is expected across southwest Oregon this weekend as a continental trough pushes colder air into the region, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Medford office. After a stretch of mild midweek weather, overnight temperatures will begin falling Friday and continue to drop through early next week.
According to NWS forecasters, minimum temperatures between Friday night and Monday morning are expected to run 5 to 10 degrees below seasonal averages, with many locations seeing nighttime lows in the mid-20s to low 30s. Areas such as Alturas, Fort Rock, Chiloquin, Lakeview, and Klamath Falls may reach the lower end of that range, while coastal and valley locations like North Bend, Roseburg, and Medford remain slightly milder but still colder than normal.
The extended duration of this colder pattern could affect vulnerable plants, animals, and untreated outdoor infrastructure. Sensitive vegetation may experience frost damage, and outdoor pipes or above-ground water systems could see impacts if not insulated. Forecasters also note that while widespread precipitation is not expected, patchy frost or freeze conditions may create slick surfaces during the overnight and early morning hours.
A few light showers may develop Friday or Saturday as the new pattern settles in, but daytime highs are forecast to remain near seasonal averages. The most notable changes occur overnight, particularly Saturday and Sunday nights, when temperatures bottom out across much of the region.
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for the colder stretch by protecting pets, plants, and outdoor equipment. The NWS will continue monitoring the trend as the colder air deepens into next week.
