MEDFORD, Ore. (Dec. 22, 2025) — Light showers persisted early Monday along the coast, in the Cascades and across Modoc County, but interior precipitation is expected to diminish through the day, offering a short respite before a more active weather pattern returns midweek, forecasters said.
The National Weather Service said breezy winds will continue over east-side terrain but are not expected to reach hazardous levels on Monday. Light showers may persist along the coast, while most inland areas see improving conditions through the day.
Rogue Valley Winds Highlighted
Forecasters say that winds are expected to increase Tuesday and Wednesday as the first of two approaching storm systems moves into the region. While the most intense gusts are forecast for areas east of the Cascades and in the Shasta Valley, the Rogue Valley is also likely to see breezy to gusty conditions. Previous similar systems have produced sustained southeast winds in the Rogue Valley in the range of about 20 to 35 mph, with gusts that can approach 45 to 50 mph under stronger pressure gradients, prompting wind advisories in past events.
These winds could blow around unsecured objects and contribute to travel difficulties, particularly for high-profile vehicles, as well as the potential for sporadic power outages.
Storm Details and Risks
The active weather pattern stems from an upper-level trough over the Pacific Ocean driving southerly to southwesterly flow aloft, with two surface lows expected to impact the Pacific Northwest and northern California.
The first low, arriving Tuesday morning, will bring showers to Siskiyou and Modoc counties, expanding into a broader event through Wednesday morning. The highest precipitation amounts, 2 to 4 inches, are forecast in the Shasta Valley region, including Dunsmuir, Mount Shasta City, Weed and McCloud. Other parts of Siskiyou County and southwestern Oregon coast areas could see 1 to 2 inches. Snow levels early Tuesday around 4,000-5,000 feet may bring light snow to higher mountain highways, with 2 to 6 inches forecast in western Siskiyou County and at Cascade passes. Higher terrain could see 6 to 12 inches, with 18 to 24 inches possible on the highest peaks and ridges.
Along with precipitation, the first system is expected to produce gusty winds east of the Cascades and in the Shasta Valley, with gusts of 45 to 55 mph possible. A High Wind Watch is in place for areas where these winds are likely, and forecasters said more specific warnings or advisories may be issued as models refine the forecast.
A second surface low is predicted late Wednesday into early Friday. While its exact path remains uncertain, it may continue to bring precipitation to western Siskiyou County, the Mount Shasta region, Curry County and the Cascades. Snow levels are forecast to drop late Thursday into early Friday, potentially affecting Interstate 5 between Weed and Dunsmuir, Highway 89, Sawyers Bar Road west of Etna and Cascade passes — a period that could pose travel challenges during the holiday. Confidence in the second system’s impacts is expected to improve later this week.
Hydrologic and Travel Concerns
River rises are expected with the precipitation, but a lack of existing snowpack has reduced the risk of widespread flooding. Continued rainfall over western Siskiyou County could trigger rock slides in areas with unstable slopes, and localized small-stream flooding or nuisance ponding is possible in poorly drained areas.
Forecast imagery suggests the upper trough will weaken late Friday, allowing a brief break in storm activity through the weekend and into early next week. Additional storms may return by late December into early January, though models currently show scattered signals with lower confidence.
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