December 20, 2024 4:10 a.m.

Only a day away from the official start of winter, the Umpqua Valley is expecting a near record high temperature for the date on Friday.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Medford told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that the mercury is forecast to reach near 62 degrees at the Roseburg Regional Airport.

The record high for December 20th is 64 degrees, set in 2019. Forecasters said Friday’s weather pattern shows the area getting out of overnight clouds and fog sooner, which should lead to additional sunshine.

Roseburg already set new record high temperatures for the date on Tuesday and Wednesday, getting to 65 degrees and 61 degrees respectively.

High temperatures should drop back to the low 50s for the weekend with rain expected. Precipitation will continue for much of next week.

Listen to News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN and check www.541radio.com to stay connected with updated weather information.