Low Pressure System Brings Light Rain, Isolated Thunderstorm Chances To Region This Week

ROSEBURG, Ore. — A low pressure system moving toward the West Coast is expected to bring several days of light precipitation to southwest Oregon and northern California this week, though the National Weather Service in Medford says only minor impacts are expected for most areas.

Forecasters said the system will gradually move inland Tuesday into Wednesday after strengthening offshore. Rain chances began increasing Sunday night near the coast and are expected to spread west to east through midweek.

The Weather Service said the pattern does not currently show signs of heavy rain. Instead, forecasters expect a stretch of consistent light rainfall. For the 72-hour period ending Thursday, the highest rainfall totals are expected near the coast, in northern California, and possibly along the Cascades, where totals could reach around 1 to 1.5 inches in some areas.

Westside valleys, including areas such as Roseburg, are expected to receive less rain, with 72-hour totals generally around 0.25 to 0.50 inches. Eastside areas are also expected to see lighter amounts.

Isolated thunderstorms are possible Tuesday and Wednesday as instability increases. The Weather Service said severe weather is not expected, but lightning and occasional stronger wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph will be possible.

Snow levels are forecast to drop Monday afternoon and again Tuesday night, bringing accumulating snow to parts of the Cascades, eastside areas, and northern California. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for parts of Siskiyou County from 11 a.m. Monday to 11 a.m. Tuesday, mainly affecting remote higher terrain areas near the Trinity Alps. A Wind Advisory is also in effect Monday for part of Siskiyou County.

For aviation, forecasters said VFR conditions were expected through most of Sunday night, with lower ceilings moving toward the coast late Sunday night or Monday morning. Breezy southerly winds are expected in parts of the region, including the Shasta Valley, East Side, and Medford area.

Marine conditions are also expected to be active through Monday, with gusty south winds and elevated seas. A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect through Monday evening for waters beyond 10 nautical miles from shore.

Forecasters said conditions should begin to dry out Thursday as the low pressure system moves out and north to northwesterly flow develops over the region. Precipitation chances are expected to decrease Thursday into at least part of next weekend, though confidence is lower for details beyond Friday night.