textproduct: Medford

UPDATE

Aviation Discussion updated.

DISCUSSION

While much of southern Oregon and far northern California are enjoying mostly clear skies today, an extensive area of clouds lies just offshore and is streaming into the northern coast this afternoon. This is the leading edge of a weak cold front that will slowly push through the area tonight before dissipating to our south tomorrow. The good news is, this will be the last day of well above normal high temperatures as cooler air filters into the region over the next few days. The bad news is, there is very little precipitation associated with the front, and most areas will only receive a sprinkle or nothing it all. Even those areas that will get measurable rain, like the coast, the Umpqua Basin, and the Oregon Cascades, amounts will only be a few hundredths. Additionally, with snow levels above 7000 or even 8000 feet, very very little or no new snow will grace our mountains.

Temperatures will trend cooler, but still 5 to 10 degrees above seasonal normals, behind the front Saturday into Sunday. Near or below freezing temperatures are not uncommon for this time of year, but given the record-breaking warmth of the last several days, there is some concern regarding the return of frost/freeze conditions in the West Side valleys Saturday night into Sunday morning. Essentially, all the blooms we have seen recently, and any other early growth spurred on by the recent unseasonable warmth, are at risk of cold temperatures this weekend.

Temperatures will warm back up a bit Monday into Tuesday as the upper level ridge slightly nudges back into the area from the south. Breezy afternoon winds are also expected as the pressure gradient tightens ahead of the next trough and associated surface front that will pass through the region Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. This front, while stronger than tonight's, still won't produce much precipitation, although more widespread measurable rain, up to a tenth or even a quarter of an inch, is expected along and west of the Cascades. Meanwhile, high snow levels will prevent any winter impacts, and very little if any rain will make it to the East Side. This front will instead be more of a wind producer, with gusty winds possible along the coast, over terrain and in aligned valleys, and across the East Side. Wind speeds should stay just below Advisory level.

Another round of cold temperatures and West Side frost/freeze is likely Wednesday night, followed by more seasonable temperatures through the rest of the week. -BPN

AVIATION...21/00Z TAFs

MVFR/IFR ceilings will affect coastal areas this evening through early Saturday morning. Conditions are expected to lift to VFR along the coast in the mid to late morning, 15-18z. MVFR ceilings (and local IFR) are expected to spread inland across the Umpqua Valley, including Roseburg, late this evening into Saturday morning. Low clouds with MVFR are expected to reach Grants Pass as well late tonight/early Saturday morning. There is a chance (35%) for MVFR at Medford Saturday morning (12-17z). We will monitor guidance and model forecasts and update the TAF as needed. Mountain obscurations are expected 06-18z from the Southern Oregon Cascades west. Low clouds will lift to VFR around 18-20z. East of the Cascades and across Northern California expect VFR through the TAF period.

MARINE...Updated 200 PM PDT Friday, March 20, 2026

Conditions will remain below advisory levels through this evening before small craft conditions begin in all areas. A thermal trough develops early Saturday, bringing gusty north winds and steep seas for southern waters. Gales are possible this weekend, and steep to very steep seas possible through early Monday. A Hazardous Seas Warning has been issued for Saturday morning through early Monday for areas south of Port Orford, with small craft inland and in northern waters. The outlook is for conditions to briefly improve Monday afternoon and evening. Advisory strength winds are likely around the Tuesday and Wednesday timeframe as another cold front swings through the waters. Gales are also possible if the front is strong enough. -Hermansen

MFR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

OR...CA...None.

PACIFIC COASTAL WATERS...Small Craft Advisory from 2 AM Saturday to 5 AM PDT Monday for PZZ350-356-370-376.

Hazardous Seas Warning from 11 AM Saturday to 5 AM PDT Monday for PZZ376.