textproduct: Medford

UPDATE

Aviation discussion updated.

AVIATION...11/06Z TAFs

Areas of fog are developing in valleys west of the Cascades and are expected to become widespread, especially in valleys in Douglas, Josephine, and Jackson counties tonight and Sunday morning. With high pressure in control for the next 7 to 10 days, expect a similar pattern to continue with the nightly return of fog/freezing fog and low clouds to West Side valleys around 06-12z, and clearing expected late by morning and afternoon. IFR/LIFR conditions in fog and low clouds should gradually improve to VFR by 19-20z.

Outside of the valleys, VFR conditions will prevail with generally light winds at the terminals.

PREV DISCUSSION

/Issued 249 PM PST Sat Jan 10 2026/

DISCUSSION...High pressure under a Pacific upper ridge remains in control of conditions across northern California and southern Oregon. Moisture streaming towards Washington and Canada is bringing high clouds, but otherwise stable conditions are expected across the area through the near- and long-term forecasts.

This will keep two main concerns in place. First, fog and possibly freezing fog may continue developing in the Rogue Valley overnight and into morning hours. Given expected persisting conditions, a Freezing Fog Advisory is in place for early Sunday morning for the Rogue, Applegate, and Illinois valleys to address the possible return of freezing fog in these areas. As the week goes on, steady drying may help to reduce the density and duration of valley fog. Additionally, overnight lows look to rise from the high 20s experienced on Friday night/Saturday morning into the low 30s through the week ahead. Even these few degrees in change may help to ease the threat of freezing fog.

The conditions for Air Stagnation will also remain in place through Sunday. Light winds and little to no mixing will allow particulates to build in low-lying areas across the forecast area. The upper ridge flattens slightly on Sunday, but looks to strengthen early in the week. Air quality concerns may return under higher pressure.

While stability persist through the official seven day forecast, ensemble meteograms for both ECMWF and GFS models are showing some organized signals for activity in the 10 to 14 day range. Of course, details are exceptionally coarse and do not support any attempts at a full forecast at this time. -TAD

MARINE...Updated 1200 PM PST Saturday, January 10, 2026...South winds increase today as a front approaches the West Coast. This front stalls and never really pushes through the area waters, but seas will build today into Sunday as a west-southwest swell moves into the waters. While winds are likely to remain below advisory criteria, steep seas are expected for most areas from Gold Beach northward and will persist through Sunday afternoon. Steep seas expand to all areas Sunday evening as another, longer period swell (peaking around 12 to 14 ft at 15 to 17 seconds) moves into the waters late Sunday and persists through Monday night.

Conditions improve Tuesday as seas lower to below 10 ft by Tuesday morning. Another long period swell (lower than the first) builds into the waters late Tuesday into Wednesday, so seas will remain swell dominated through early Wednesday. Meanwhile, northerly winds increase on Wednesday as the pattern transitions to a summer-like pattern under a thermal trough that persists through the latter half of the week. Swell gradually subsides into Thursday, but seas transition to wind wave dominated under gusty north winds. Expect another round of steep to very steep and hazardous seas for the latter half of the week.

BEACH HAZARDS...Updated 1245 PM PST Saturday, January 10, 2026...A long period swell will build into the waters Sunday into Monday, resulting in a moderate risk of sneaker waves. Initially, incoming swell will be around 3 to 6 feet at 18 to 20 seconds Sunday morning increasing to 9 to 12 ft at 16 to 17 seconds by Sunday evening. This higher period swell will persist through Monday afternoon before diminishing into Monday evening. Guidance shows the potential for another sneaker wave threat beginning late Tuesday night and persisting through the day Wednesday.

If you plan to visit area beaches Sunday into Monday or late Tuesday into Wednesday, please be aware of the dangers sneaker waves pose to beach goers. Sneaker waves can run up significantly farther on beaches than normal, including over rocks and jetties. These waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and sweep them into the ocean. The waves can also move logs or other objects which could crush or trap anyone caught underneath. While sneaker waves can occur at any time, the greatest risk is on an incoming tide. Please be aware of the tides if venturing out onto the beaches. NEVER turn your back on the ocean! /BR-y

MFR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

OR...Beach Hazards Statement from 7 AM PST Sunday through Monday afternoon for ORZ021-022.

Air Stagnation Advisory until 10 AM PST Sunday for ORZ023-024- 026-029>031.

Freezing Fog Advisory from 2 AM to 9 AM PST Sunday for ORZ024- 026.

CA...None.

PACIFIC COASTAL WATERS...Small Craft Advisory from 4 PM Sunday to 4 AM PST Tuesday for PZZ350-356-370-376.