MEDFORD, Ore. — Cold mist clings to the Rogue Valley floor, turning fields silver and roadways slick as dense fog and freezing temperatures slow southern Oregon’s early commute. With temperatures near 31°F this morning, patchy dense fog has reduced visibility to three miles or less, creating frosted windshields and black ice risks across Jackson County and beyond.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Medford urge drivers to use caution through late morning, especially on Interstate 5, Highway 62, and rural routes leading into Central Point and Ashland. Fog is expected to lift gradually by midday, revealing mostly sunny skies and a mild high near 52°F.
The cold start marks the transition toward a more active weather pattern by week’s end. After two calm, partly cloudy days, rain chances rise Friday into Saturday as a Pacific system approaches from the coast. Highs will climb into the mid to upper 50s, with lows staying above freezing, signaling a temporary break from frost but wetter roads ahead.
Friday night into Saturday, forecasters expect steady light rain, especially along the Cascade foothills and into the Umpqua Divide. Though rainfall amounts appear modest—under a half inch—drivers should anticipate slick conditions and reduced visibility through the weekend.
Five-Day Local Outlook:
- Today: Morning fog, high 52°F.
- Wednesday: Patchy fog early, high 50°F.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 53°F.
- Friday: Rain developing, high 56°F.
- Saturday: Chance rain, high 57°F.
