MEDFORD, Ore. (Apr. 8, 2026) — Thunderstorm activity that developed earlier in parts of Southern Oregon and Northern California diminished after sunset Wednesday, though forecasters say additional showers moved through the region into the evening hours.
Weather officials reported that earlier storms in Siskiyou and Josephine counties weakened overnight, while broader shower coverage increased and pushed north into Jackson and Klamath counties. Gusty and erratic winds remained possible with heavier rainfall, though conditions were expected to calm between 11 p.m. and midnight.
Forecasters said the pattern is expected to repeat Thursday afternoon, with showers and thunderstorms redeveloping and spreading farther north into Douglas, Klamath and Lake counties.
Temperatures Wednesday remained slightly above seasonal averages, while atmospheric conditions supported storm development. Southerly winds aloft tied to an approaching Pacific low-pressure system brought moisture and instability to the region. Forecast models showed modest instability levels, sufficient to produce isolated to scattered thunderstorms, particularly over higher terrain.
The highest likelihood of storms Wednesday was concentrated in Northern California, where chances ranged from 20% to 30%, compared to 10% to 20% farther north into Oregon. Moisture levels were also sufficient to support lightning and rain showers, though storm chances declined quickly after sunset.
On Thursday, forecasters expect similar daytime temperatures but increasing instability as the low-pressure system moves closer. Thunderstorm chances are projected to rise to 35% to 40% in western Siskiyou County and into Josephine and Douglas counties. Jackson County faces slightly lower chances, while areas east of the Cascades are expected to see more limited activity.
Despite relatively weak wind shear limiting the potential for severe storms, officials warned that even non-severe thunderstorms could produce hazardous conditions, including lightning, sudden wind gusts and brief heavy rainfall that could impact travel and outdoor activities.
By Friday, instability is expected to decrease as the low-pressure system brings more widespread showers across the region. Isolated thunderstorms may still occur in western areas but are not expected to be widespread.
A second weather system arriving from the Gulf of Alaska is forecast to merge with the Pacific system over the weekend, bringing cooler temperatures and additional precipitation. Snow levels are expected to drop, with higher elevations in western Siskiyou County and along the Cascades potentially receiving up to a foot of snow through Saturday. Areas such as the Winter Rim and Warner Mountains could see 5 to 10 inches, while lower elevation valleys east of the Cascades may receive light snowfall accumulations.
Looking ahead, scattered showers may linger into Monday before a brief period of drier weather arrives Tuesday. Another system could bring more widespread precipitation by midweek or next weekend.
In aviation forecasts, visual flight rules conditions are expected to prevail, though thunderstorms could impact areas along the Interstate 5 corridor south of the Rogue-Umpqua Divide, including Medford, Yreka and Mount Shasta. Forecasters noted a roughly 30% chance of thunderstorms affecting the air terminal in Medford during the early evening hours, with potential for gusty and erratic winds and brief reductions in visibility.
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