Oregon – Cold air sits heavy in the Rogue Valley this morning, turning headlights hazy and softening the outlines of trees and hills. A shallow layer of mist clings close to the ground, and the stillness hints at a developing winter problem that won’t clear quickly.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, an Air Stagnation Advisory remains in effect until 4 p.m. Wednesday for valleys in Jackson County. A persistent temperature inversion and calm winds are trapping pollutants near the surface, allowing air quality to steadily decline across Medford, Ashland, Central Point, and surrounding communities.
Patchy freezing fog adds to the concern early today. Visibility can drop suddenly, especially near Bear Creek, low-lying roads, and agricultural areas. With temperatures near 28 degrees, fog may freeze on contact, creating slick spots on Highway 62, Interstate 5, and neighborhood streets. Drivers should slow down, use low-beam headlights, and plan extra travel time.
Air quality impacts may be subtle but meaningful. People with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions are urged to limit outdoor activity. Local agencies recommend reducing wood burning when possible, as smoke can quickly build under stagnant conditions. To be fair, the air may look calm, but pollution accumulates quietly during these setups.
Later today, sunshine helps temperatures climb into the low to mid-50s. The improvement is temporary. Cold nights continue, and fog is expected to redevelop late tonight and again Tuesday morning. By Wednesday, clouds increase, but the inversion may hold until winds pick up.
Residents should prepare for repeated freeze-and-fog cycles and remain alert during morning travel. Seeing thicker fog or haze where you live? Let us know what conditions look like in your part of the valley.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Medford, OR
MLK Day: Patchy freezing fog early, then sunny, high near 55
Tuesday: Partly sunny, cold morning, high near 51
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, areas of morning fog, high near 50
Thursday: Mostly sunny, milder, high near 52
Friday: Mostly sunny, cool morning, high near 51
