Rain, Mountain Snow Expected This Week As Another Spring Storm Moves Into Southern Oregon

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Showers are expected to continue across parts of Southern Oregon on Monday before conditions briefly improve Tuesday, followed by another round of rain, mountain snow and gusty winds arriving Tuesday night into Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Medford.

Forecasters said scattered precipitation will linger Monday, mainly west of and along the Cascades, with light rain in lower elevations and minor snowfall possible in the mountains. Snow levels are expected to stay between 5,000 and 6,000 feet Monday, limiting impacts for most lower-elevation communities.

A short-lived warming trend is expected Tuesday as a weak ridge moves over the region, but that break will not last long. A stronger cold front is forecast to move in Tuesday night and continue through Wednesday, bringing widespread wet weather back to the area.

Along the coast, rainfall totals could reach 1 to 1.5 inches by the end of Wednesday, with the heaviest rain expected Wednesday morning. Inland west side valleys, including areas in Douglas County, are expected to see lighter but still steady rainfall.

In the mountains, the next system is expected to bring more significant snow. Snow levels are forecast to drop to around 4,000 to 4,500 feet during the Wednesday storm, with moderate to heavy snowfall possible in the Cascades. Forecasters said snowfall rates could reach one-half inch to one inch per hour at times.

A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Tuesday evening through late Wednesday night for parts of the Oregon Cascades north of Crater Lake and above 5,000 feet.

Gusty winds are also expected Wednesday, especially along and east of the Cascades and in higher terrain. Some areas could see advisory-level wind gusts before conditions ease later in the day.

By Wednesday night into Thursday morning, snow levels are expected to fall further, down to 1,500 to 2,000 feet. However, forecasters said lower-elevation snow is not expected to be a major concern because precipitation should taper off quickly by then.

Cold overnight temperatures may also return later this week, with frost and freeze conditions possible in west side valleys Wednesday night into Thursday and again Thursday night into Friday.

Looking ahead, the weather service said Friday and Saturday may turn warmer and drier as a ridge of high pressure builds in. Another weather system could approach the region Sunday, though forecasters said the timing and strength of that system remain uncertain.

For aviation interests, areas of low clouds and reduced visibility are expected through Monday morning before improving later in the day. In the marine forecast, conditions are expected to worsen again Tuesday night into Wednesday as a stronger front brings steeper seas and increased winds offshore.