textproduct: Medford

KEY MESSAGES

* Above normal temperatures are expected the next couple of days before trending back near normal Friday onward

* Dry conditions and typical afternoon breezes continue, but Friday and Saturday will see an uptick with enhanced breezes

* Isolated thunderstorms are possible Friday afternoon along the Cascades and possibly eastside areas through the evening hours

* Areas of smoke remain possible across western Siskiyou County and parts of Klamath and Lake counties due to nearby wildfires

AVIATION (12Z TAFs)

Marine stratus continues to impact the coast this morning bringing IFR conditions to KOTH. This pattern will bring relief this afternoon, but the marine layer is expected to reestablish and bring IFR conditions again this evening/overnight. Otherwise, high clouds and typical afternoon breezes are expected farther inland which will result in VFR conditions through this cycle.

MARINE (Updated at 330 AM Aug 19th)

Gusty north winds and steep seas are expected south of Cape Blanco through this evening. Conditions are expected to improve Thursday and Friday. A thermal trough will redevelop along the coast this weekend bringing a return of strong north winds and steep seas. Once again, strongest winds and highest seas are most likely south of Cape Blanco.

FIRE WEATHER (Updated at 330 AM Aug 19th)

Starting Thursday, the combination of winds and low RH will result in at least elevated fire weather concerns through the weekend and into early next week. The main areas of interest will be eastside areas and parts of northern California. At least in the short/near term, we need to keep an eye on Friday and Saturday for conditions approaching critical thresholds. Friday we have an approaching upper level low that will bring enhanced breezes coupled with low RH for eastside areas and parts of northern California. In addition to the low RH and winds, we will have increased chances for thunderstorms on Friday as well, mainly along the Cascades and north. That said, some signs are pointing towards increased coverage for eastside areas. On Saturday, the thunderstorm threat likely shifts north and east of our area, but we may still have those enhanced breezes sticking around for another afternoon/early evening. This combined with another dry afternoon will bring at least elevated fire weather concerns. Coverage wise, Friday and Saturday will be the most noteworthy days regarding fire weather concerns that could tilt towards critical thresholds. Ultimately, the threat of elevated to perhaps critical fire weather conditions will continue into early next week.

MFR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

OR...CA...None.

PACIFIC COASTAL WATERS...Small Craft Advisory until 11 PM PDT this evening for PZZ356-376.