Weather
Southern Oregon Weather Alert: Snow Levels Drop to 2,600 Feet Oct 31
Medford, OR – A colder weather pattern could bring freezing nighttime temperatures and falling mountain snow levels to southern Oregon heading into Halloween weekend. While Medford and the Rogue Valle
By Erin Vale · 2026-10-25T11:13:18.595Z
Medford, OR – A colder weather pattern could bring freezing nighttime temperatures and falling mountain snow levels to southern Oregon heading into Halloween weekend. While Medford and the Rogue Valley are expected to enjoy several mostly sunny afternoons, temperatures could fall to 29 degrees Friday night, Oct. 30. By Saturday, Oct. 31, the National Weather Service projects snow levels dropping as low as 2,600 feet before rising again during the afternoon, creating a developing concern for higher elevation travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, the approaching pattern follows a wet start to the week, with rain expected Sunday night and Monday before conditions improve Tuesday and Wednesday. Sunday night's precipitation probability reaches 90%, while Monday carries a 60% chance of rain, mainly before 3 p.m. The return of drier weather will be accompanied by cooler nights, setting the stage for additional changes later in the week.
Snow Levels Could Fall Sharply by Halloween The most significant development appears in the extended forecast beginning Thursday, Oct. 29, when snow levels are expected near 4,100 feet before rising to approximately 4,600 feet during the afternoon. Medford itself should remain considerably warmer, with mostly sunny skies, a slight chance of rain after 11 a.m. and a high near 57 degrees.
Thursday night brings another chance of rain as snow levels fall from approximately 4,700 feet to 3,700 feet after midnight. Temperatures in Medford are expected to reach around 31 degrees, raising the possibility of freezing conditions in colder valley locations. The forecast does not establish that snow will reach the city, and snow levels should not be confused with confirmed accumulation elevations.
Friday brings another slight chance of rain and a high near 55 degrees. Snow levels could begin near 3,000 feet before rising to approximately 4,000 feet during the afternoon. By Friday night, temperatures in Medford are forecast to fall to 29 degrees, while snow levels decrease from roughly 4,200 feet to 3,200 feet after midnight.
Mountain Travel and Freezing Nights Saturday's outlook calls for a slight chance of rain, mostly sunny skies and an afternoon high near 57 degrees. However, snow levels could begin around 2,600 feet before climbing toward 4,100 feet later in the day. That elevation change is important for motorists traveling between valley communities and higher mountain corridors, where precipitation type can vary significantly over relatively short distances.
Travelers using Interstate 5 through the Siskiyou Mountains or heading toward higher elevations along Oregon Highway 62 should monitor updated conditions. Falling snow levels may increase the possibility of wintry precipitation where showers develop, but the supplied forecast does not confirm accumulating snow, icy highways or travel restrictions. Exact precipitation coverage and road impacts remain uncertain.
Cooler Nights Follow Early Week Rain Before the late week transition, Medford will experience a substantial change from Sunday's projected 68 degree high to Monday's cooler 59 degrees. Tuesday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 60 degrees, followed by a low around 35 degrees. Wednesday remains mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 59 degrees before dropping to 34 degrees Wednesday night.
These colder nights may create concerns for sensitive plants, outdoor equipment and residents working before sunrise. Homeowners may want to protect vulnerable vegetation ahead of Thursday and Friday night's near freezing or subfreezing temperatures. The combination of mild afternoons and colder nights also means travelers should prepare for noticeably different conditions depending on elevation and time of day.
Although the extended outlook indicates lower mountain snow levels, snowfall accumulation amounts have not been provided. Residents should continue checking National Weather Service updates as Halloween approaches, particularly if outdoor plans involve mountain travel or overnight exposure to colder temperatures.
Will the colder temperatures and possibility of mountain snow change your Halloween weekend plans?
Five Day Weather Outlook Sunday 10/25: Partly sunny skies bring a high near 68 degrees, with northwest winds around 5 mph during the afternoon; rain becomes likely overnight, with a 90% precipitation chance and temperatures falling to approximately 39 degrees.
Monday 10/26: Rain is likely, mainly before 3 p.m., with a 60% precipitation chance and a high near 59 degrees; south southeast winds around 5 mph become calm, followed by partly cloudy skies and a low near 36 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: Mostly sunny skies return to Medford with an afternoon high near 60 degrees, providing a break from early week rainfall; Tuesday night becomes partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to approximately 35 degrees.
Wednesday 10/28: Mostly sunny conditions continue with a high near 59 degrees, offering another generally dry afternoon across the Rogue Valley; Wednesday night turns partly cloudy as temperatures fall to around 34 degrees.
Thursday 10/29: Mostly sunny skies accompany a slight chance of rain after 11 a.m., with a high near 57 degrees and snow levels between 4,100 and 4,600 feet; nighttime temperatures fall near 31 degrees as rain chances continue.
Extended Weather Outlook Friday, Oct. 30: A slight chance of rain accompanies mostly sunny skies and a high near 55 degrees. Snow levels are expected near 3,000 feet before rising toward 4,000 feet in the afternoon. Friday night temperatures could reach 29 degrees, with snow levels falling to approximately 3,200 feet after midnight.
Saturday, Oct. 31 — Halloween: Mostly sunny skies and a slight chance of rain are forecast, with a high near 57 degrees. Snow levels could begin around 2,600 feet before rising to approximately 4,100 feet during the afternoon. No snowfall accumulation amounts are specified.