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Area forecast discussion 
National Weather Service Medford or 
158 PM PDT Friday Mar 19 2010 


Short term...a Pacific low is centered near 40n 140w while a high 
pressure ridge remains centered over the pacnw today. The high 
pressure ridge will shift inland this evening into Saturday as 
the Pacific low approaches the region. 


Tonight expect mainly clear skies expect for some high clouds 
moving into the area. Also...along the coast marine stratus is 
expected to develop late tonight into early tomorrow morning. 


During the day Saturday... a weak front approaches the area and 
gradually moves into the coast Saturday evening and night. Then 
models are in agreement indicating the front will slowly move inland 
Saturday night through Sunday. This front will push east of the 
area Sunday night. The NAM...GFS and European model (ecmwf) are showing very light 
precipitation developing along the coast Saturday evening and 
night...then precipitation increasing and spreading inland on 
Sunday...mainly from the Cascades westward during the day. As the 
trough moves into the region...behind the front expect light 
showers over much of the area Sunday night into Monday. Periods of 
gusty west to southwest winds are also possible Saturday afternoon 
and evening and again on Sunday...especially for higher terrain 
and locations east of the Cascades. 


Long term...a weak high pressure ridge will bring warming and 
drying on Tuesday. Then models continue to show a front 
reaching the coast by Wednesday afternoon and moving inland 
Wednesday night. This will bring a chance of light precipitation 
with the highest probability of precipitation west of the Cascades. Beyond Wednesday there 
is more variability in the model forecast...however models are 
indicating another trough moving into the region towards the end 
of the week with additional chances for precipitation. 




&& 


Aviation...VFR except for areas of IFR stratus and fog developing 
along the coast tonight into Saturday morning. 




&& 


Mfr watches/warnings/advisories... 
or...none. 


California...none. 


Pacific coastal waters...none. 


$$ 


Cirrocumulus