


Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Medford, OR
Issued by NWS Medford, OR
Versions:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
174 FXUS66 KMFR 172121 AFDMFR Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Medford OR 221 PM PDT Sun Aug 17 2025 .DISCUSSION...Visible satellite image shows cumulus clouds over most locations. Another Image which shows signs of potential showers or storms development is showing signs of that in southeast Lake and far eastern Modoc (near and over the Warners). Guidance suggest instability will be greatest in these areas later this afternoon and evening. Even then, storms will be isolated. This makes sense when looking at the mid and low level water vapor image with bothy showing a weak upper level disturbance approaching the Oregon coast. This disturbance should be enough to at least trigger isolated storms in the above mentioned areas. Isolated storms will end early this evening, with dry weather expected tonight. All signs are pointing towards dry weather for the upcoming week into next weekend. Monday and Tuesday, the upper trough with a stable southwest flow will be present which will keep afternoon temperatures in check with values near seasonal norms for the interior. From mid week on, there`s good agreement the four corners ridge will strengthen and nudge into our area with continued dry weather. It will start to heat up Wednesday with hot weather likely Thursday through next weekend with afternoon highs in the upper 90s for the interior valleys Thursday followed by triple digit readings Friday into next weekend. East of the Cascades, it will be in the upper 80s to low 90s the latter part of next week into next weekend. One thing we`ll have to watch closely is the potential for some monsoonal moisture to make its way from the south into portions of the Eastside starting as early as Friday into next weekend. It`s way to early if there will be sufficient moisture to support thunderstorms as details can change in the day to come. Stay tuned. -Petrucelli && .AVIATION...17/18Z TAFs...With the frontal system out of the area, activity is absent across northern California and southern Oregon this morning. Cloud cover remains across the area. While Klamath Falls remains under IFR ceilings, other area terminals are under VFR conditions. Ceilings should lift over Klamath Falls by this afternoon, while marine stratus looks to build along this coast this evening. Coastal areas are forecast to see IFR or LIFR conditions into Monday morning, with inland areas remaining at VFR levels under high ceilings or clear skies. This afternoon and evening, there are chances for isolated showers and thunderstorms (15-25%) over western Siskiyou County and easternmost Lake and Modoc counties. Any thunderstorms that develop may bring erratic and gusty winds, lightning strikes, and locally heavy rain showers. -TAD && .MARINE...Updated 200 PM PDT Sunday, August 17, 2025...Seas will peak this afternoon, but are expected to remain just below advisory levels. Seas lower tonight into Monday. Wednesday into Thursday, signs are pointing towards moderate to occasionally strong north winds and steep seas south of Cape Blanco as the thermal trough returns. -Petrucelli && .FIRE WEATHER...Updated 200 PM PDT Sunday, August 17, 2025...Saturday`s front had observations of 0.20 and 0.50 inches of rainfall for coastal areas and elevated terrain (including east side areas). West side valleys generally got 0.10 inches of rain or less. Showers have been few today and isolated today. Thunderstorm chances remain in the forecast this afternoon and evening. Forecast coverage has decreased to western Siskiyou County and easternmost Lake and Modoc counties. Any activity that does develop is expected to be isolated and should dissipate into the evening. A pattern change to southwest flow aloft on Monday will bring drier air aloft, minimizing the chances of activity continuing into the week. Daytime highs look to reach seasonal levels early in the week. Midweek, high pressure over the Four Corners looks to build a ridge that will start to could move over the area. This would support daytime highs rising above seasonal levels. Current guidance shows that most west side valleys (Umpqua Valley excluded) could see near or just above triple digits by Friday or Saturday. Dry daytime conditions are expected, but current overnight recoveries look to remain moderate. Periods of overnight easterly flow could bring locally poor recoveries, but this is not supported in current forecast values. An upper level disturbance that looks to pass over the area on Wednesday is also worth paying attention to, as these disturbances can sometimes bring gusty to breezy winds. These elevated winds are also not currently expected. Overall, hazardous fire weather conditions are not expected but some factors may bring elevated concerns through the dry period. -TAD && .MFR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... OR...None. CA...None. PACIFIC COASTAL WATERS...None. && $$