Medford, Oregon- A series of Pacific storm systems will keep southern Oregon and far northern California locked in an active and unsettled weather pattern through next weekend, bringing repeated rounds of rain, gusty winds and mild temperatures, according to the National Weather Service in Medford.
Forecasters said several frontal systems will sweep across the region in the coming days, with only brief breaks between storms. A weak front moved through Saturday, but a much stronger system is expected to arrive Monday and linger into Wednesday, followed by additional fronts late in the week and into next weekend.
“Wet and windy weather will accompany nearly all of these systems,” meteorologists said, noting that snow levels will remain high—generally between 6,000 and 8,000 feet—keeping winter weather impacts to a minimum.
As of Saturday morning, a narrow band of rain stretched from coastal Curry County northeast toward Bend, with showers expected to move east and gradually dissipate as they cross the Cascades. Most rainfall will occur west of the mountains, though light amounts are possible farther east. Winds will be breezy but not damaging. Skies should clear Sunday after some early valley fog, with cooler but otherwise quiet conditions.
The next system, a warm front arriving Monday, will bring widespread light rain lasting into Tuesday. Temperatures will stay near or just below seasonal norms as warm air overrides cooler air near the surface.
The most significant storm of the week is forecast to arrive late Tuesday into Wednesday. Forecasters described it as a strong atmospheric river, sometimes referred to as a “Pineapple Express,” carrying an intense plume of subtropical moisture. Moisture transport values for this system could reach 1,000 to 1,250, about twice that of a typical front.
Strong winds are also likely, with 700-millibar winds ranging from 50 to 70 knots and surface pressure gradients between -6 and -8 millibars. Wind advisories or high wind warnings may be issued, particularly for the coast, the Shasta Valley and areas east of the Cascades. Some west side valleys, including near Ashland, could also experience gusty conditions.
Heavy rain is expected along the coast and across Siskiyou County, with lighter totals likely in the Rogue Valley and on the East Side due to downsloping off the Siskiyous and Cascades. While forecasters are not anticipating widespread flooding, minor flooding could occur in low-lying areas and on roadways, especially where storm drains are clogged by fallen leaves.
The midweek system will also coincide with seasonal King Tides, expected Nov. 5–7, which could exacerbate coastal flooding near estuaries and low-lying roads, particularly around Coos Bay.
Another front is forecast to arrive Thursday, bringing more rain and wind, though current models suggest it may be slightly weaker than Wednesday’s system. After a brief lull Friday, yet another front could move in next weekend.
“Confidence is lower at that time range,” forecasters said, “but the overall pattern shows very little sign of slowing down as we head into next week.”
Discover more from Medford Alert News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
