Southern Oregon is experiencing a period of active weather with thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds expected to continue through Thursday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued safety warnings as thunderstorms develop each afternoon and evening, bringing elevated risks of lightning, small hail, and strong winds to areas including Medford, Klamath Falls, Ashland, and Grants Pass.
Thunderstorm Risks Across Southern Oregon
According to the NWS office in Medford, scattered thunderstorms will impact Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lake counties, with Medford, Ashland, and Grants Pass being particularly vulnerable to lightning and storm activity.
Wednesday’s storm risks will be most prominent in the afternoon and evening, continuing into Thursday as the storms shift eastward toward Lakeview and the Oregon-Nevada border.
Thunderstorms are likely to bring several hazards, including cloud-to-ground lightning, small hail, and sudden outflow winds exceeding 40 mph. Outdoor workers, hikers, and campers in exposed areas such as the Cascades, Siskiyous, and high desert terrain are advised to exercise extreme caution and seek shelter when thunder is heard.
Safety Precautions for Outdoor Activities
Residents and visitors should follow these precautions:
Seek shelter immediately if you hear thunder.
Wait at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before resuming outdoor activities to ensure the storm has passed.
Secure loose outdoor items to prevent wind damage.
Though the storm activity is expected to taper off by Thursday evening, additional advisories may be issued if new storms develop.
Five-Day Forecast for Medford, OR
| Day | Weather | High Temperature | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Scattered thunderstorms, elevated lightning risk | 87°F | – |
| Thursday | Isolated storms, breezy | 85°F | – |
| Friday | Partly sunny, drier | 86°F | – |
| Saturday | Mostly sunny | 89°F | – |
| Sunday | Clear skies, warmer | 91°F | – |
