Southern Oregon enters the second week of December with a mix of calm conditions, intermittent rain, patchy fog and colder overnight temperatures that will influence both local routines and regional travel. Today begins with a quiet pattern across the Rogue Valley as mild daytime highs hold in the upper forties to low fifties and morning fog gradually lifts through the late morning hours. Skies remain mostly cloudy with a slight chance of light drizzle in the afternoon, though most communities from Grants Pass to Medford and Ashland will stay dry through the evening.
Monday marks the arrival of a weak Pacific system that brings scattered rain showers across Josephine and Jackson counties. While totals remain light, wet pavements and reduced visibility should be anticipated during the morning commute. Temperatures will hover in the mid to upper forties with overnight lows dipping toward the mid thirties. Higher elevations such as the Siskiyous and the Cascades may see light snow flurries, though significant accumulation is not expected.
Tuesday brings a temporary break as the system exits and partial clearing develops. Fog will be more widespread during the early hours, particularly along the I 5 corridor and in river basins. Once the fog dissipates, drier air moves in with a mix of clouds and sun through the afternoon. Highs remain steady near fifty degrees. Travel conditions will generally improve across lower elevations, but shaded backroads may remain slick during the early morning due to overnight cooling.
Another Pacific disturbance approaches Wednesday and spreads rain into the region by midday. Showers become more frequent into the evening across Grants Pass, Cave Junction and Medford while snow levels fall toward four thousand feet. This pattern will create winter travel considerations on mountain passes including the Sexton Summit, Canyon Mountain and the Siskiyou Summit. Drivers heading north toward Roseburg or south toward northern California should be alert for changing conditions as heavier bursts of precipitation develop.
Thursday continues unsettled with lingering rain at lower elevations and periodic snow showers above the higher passes. Temperatures hold steady in the mid forties during the day with nighttime readings again falling into the low to mid thirties. While the system is not strong enough to produce widespread winter hazards, travel may be slowed at higher elevations and visibility will vary through the afternoon and evening.
Friday brings gradual improvement as showers taper and partial clearing emerges late in the day. A colder air mass establishes itself over the region and sets the stage for a chilly start to the weekend. Rural valleys are likely to see frost and freezing temperatures overnight. The drier pattern should assist holiday travelers beginning weekend trips, although morning fog will remain a consistent factor in the Rogue Valley.
Next weekend appears cool and mostly stable with partly cloudy skies Saturday and Sunday. Daytime highs will struggle to reach the upper forties and overnight lows may dip below freezing in many locations. Conditions remain favorable for travel across the lower valleys, but mountain routes may still experience scattered snow showers depending on lingering moisture.
Southern Oregon residents and travelers can expect a week defined by frequent shifts in weather but no major storms. Remaining aware of fog, wet roads and higher elevation snow will ensure safe travel as the holiday season continues.