Weather
Southern Oregon Weather: Medford Faces Rain, Then 32°F by Oct. 24
MEDFORD, OR – Southern Oregon residents face a dramatic weather change this week as Medford's afternoon temperatures reach 80 degrees Wednesday before Thursday rain and overnight temperatures falling
By Miles Carter · 2026-10-21T11:21:18.312Z
MEDFORD, OR – Southern Oregon residents face a dramatic weather change this week as Medford's afternoon temperatures reach 80 degrees Wednesday before Thursday rain and overnight temperatures falling to around freezing Friday night. The 48 degree difference between Wednesday's high and Friday night's low could catch residents off guard across the Rogue Valley.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a 60% chance of rain is forecast Thursday, followed by cooler daytime temperatures and a Friday night low near 32 degrees. Sunshine is expected to return Saturday, although chilly overnight conditions will continue into the weekend.
The changing conditions coincide with a broader Pacific weather system affecting portions of the western United States, bringing increased moisture and cooler air to parts of the region.
While the Weather Prediction Center has highlighted more significant rainfall concerns farther south across California and the Southwest, Medford's local forecast does not establish a specific flash flood threat.
Five Day Medford Weather Outlook Wednesday 10/21: Mostly sunny skies will bring afternoon temperatures near 80 degrees, making Wednesday the warmest day in the current five day forecast. Calm winds will become northerly around 5 mph during the afternoon. Wednesday night brings increasing clouds, with temperatures falling to approximately 45 degrees. A slight 10% chance of rain develops after 5 a.m. Thursday.
Thursday 10/22: Rain becomes likely, particularly between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., with a 60% precipitation chance. Mostly cloudy skies will accompany a high near 69 degrees, an 11 degree decline from Wednesday. Northwest winds of 5 to 10 mph are expected during the afternoon. Thursday night will be cloudy before gradually becoming partly cloudy, with temperatures falling to around 37 degrees.
Friday 10/23: Patchy fog is possible between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., potentially affecting visibility during the morning commute. Otherwise, sunny skies are expected, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 63 degrees. Friday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 32 degrees, bringing the possibility of freezing conditions.
Saturday 10/24: Sunny skies return across Medford, with afternoon temperatures rebounding to approximately 73 degrees. The dry conditions should provide a favorable opportunity for outdoor activities following Thursday's rain. Saturday night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures falling to around 37 degrees.
Sunday 10/25: A slight chance of rain is forecast before 11 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 71 degrees. Sunday night brings another slight chance of rain, with partly cloudy conditions and temperatures dropping to around 37 degrees.
Freezing Temperatures Become the Weekend Concern The most significant temperature change will occur between Wednesday afternoon and Friday night, when the forecast shifts from 80 degrees to approximately 32 degrees.
Residents with sensitive outdoor plants should monitor the forecast closely and consider protective measures before Friday night's colder temperatures arrive.
Early morning travelers should also remain aware of possible patchy fog Friday, especially where visibility becomes locally reduced.
Extended Outlook: October 28 November 3 The NOAA Climate Prediction Center's eight to 14 day outlook, issued October 20, favors above normal precipitation across much of Southern Oregon between October 28 and November 3.
Temperatures across the Medford region are generally favored to remain near seasonal averages during that period.
These outlooks represent broad weather probabilities rather than specific rainfall totals or confirmed storms.
For Medford, the immediate concern remains the transition from unusually warm feeling afternoons to Thursday rain and a potentially freezing Friday night.