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Temperatures forecast in the teens next week By Nick Morgan Updated: Feb 18, 2022 04:19 PM A A After more than a month of clear skies and warm days, local meteorologists say Southern Oregon will be dramatically different by the end of the weekend. A cold front will bring much needed rain and snow to the Rogue Valley starting Sunday into Tuesday, according to an advisory issued Friday afternoon by the National Weather Service in Medford. Between Tuesday and Thursday, temperatures will fall “well below normal for this time of year.” Meteorologists advise vulnerable populations and gardeners to plan accordingly. Meteorologists expect the snow mostly at between 1,500 to 2,000 feet, with “little to no accumulation on the valley floor.” “The surrounding hills above the valley floors are more likely to see accumulating snow,” the advisory states. 🥶🌱After weeks of dry/warm, the upcoming cold temperatures could impact growers, vulnerable populations, and animals...and potentially homeowners in general. Be prepared. #orwx #cawx pic.twitter.com/NrX7FfE4eX — NWS Medford (@NWSMedford) February 18, 2022 According to National Weather Service meteorologist Sven Nelaimischkies, the high-pressure ridge that has been over the region and caused extended clear skies since early January is finally breaking down. “We’re going to get back to the weather patterns that we should be at for this time of year,” said Nelaimischkies. There’s a chance — a likelihood of roughly 40% — that rain and snow will cause slick road conditions Sunday through Tuesday. Nelaimischkies said temperatures are expected to drop enough that the valley floor could see snow Sunday and Monday nights of “up to a half of an inch.” Meteorologists don’t anticipate many road hazards, at least on Interstate 5, however. Nelaimischkies said the road temperature Friday afternoon on the Mount Sexton summit, and the Medford Interstate 5 viaduct was at 66 degrees. “It takes a lot to cool a road surface from 75 degrees in two days,” he said. More concerning are roads is in the Southern Oregon Cascades. Highway 140 near Butte Creek’s road was at 35 degrees Friday, and could see between 8 and 12 inches. “In those areas it might start sticking again,” Nelaimischkies said. “The heaviest amounts look to be Monday morning through Tuesday morning.” National Weather Service meteorologists say there’s a 30% chance of rain Sunday. Rain and snow is more likely Monday in Medford, with the forecast calling for a 60% chance of precipitation, with an expected high of 45 degrees and a low of 28. On Tuesday morning, the forecast calls for a chance of snow — along with patchy freezing fog — before shifting to partly sunny with a high near 42. ❄️Here's the range of snowfall amounts possible from Sunday through Monday night. Confidence decreases for snowfall potential Tuesday, so we're not including that time period in this graphic. However, some data suggests additional chances Tuesday. #orwx #cawx pic.twitter.com/VjvSRyip0I — NWS Medford (@NWSMedford) February 18, 2022 More likely, according to meteorologists, is that winter warming shelters will need to be opened between Tuesday and Thursday, with cold temperatures in the teens expected. The coldest temperatures are expected Wednesday morning, according to the forecast. Medford and Ashland are expected to see lows of about 16 degrees, and 20 degrees is predicted for Grants Pass. By Thursday, the forecast calls for partly cloudy skies, a high near 49 and a low of 26. Reach web editor Nick Morgan at 541-776-4471 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @MTwebeditor.