Arizona Largely Spares From National winter Storm, Sees Cooler Temperatures
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Arizona residents are experiencing the tail end of a major winter storm that has caused widespread disruption across much of the united States, but the state is expected to see minimal impact beyond cooler temperatures and lingering effects in its northern regions. As of January 25, the strongest effects of the storm remain east of Arizona, with dry air moving into the region bringing clearing skies.
National Travel Chaos
The winter storm has already had a notable impact nationally, tragically resulting in at least two fatalities and the cancellation of over 10,000 flights, according to a report from USA TODAY. The storm continues its eastward trajectory, leaving a trail of travel delays and hazardous conditions in its wake.
regional Breakdown: From Snowfall to Rainfall
While Arizona largely avoided the brunt of the storm, different areas of the state experienced varying degrees of impact.Spotty showers moved through central Arizona on January 24 as the storm’s western edge brushed the state.
In northern and eastern Arizona, snowfall was more substantial. Accumulations ranged from approximately one inch at Flagstaff Airport to as much as five inches in parts of Apache and Coconino counties, including the White Mountains, the National Weather Service reported.
The Navajo Nation experienced the most severe conditions within Arizona, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency due to heavy snow, perilous road conditions, and frigid temperatures. Forecasters warned of continued hazardous travel conditions in the region.
Southern Arizona saw widespread rainfall,with approximately half an inch reported across the Tucson area. higher elevations, specifically parts of Cochise County and the Chiricahua Mountains, received between one and three inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service.
Looking Ahead: Calmer Conditions and a warming Trend
The forecast for the Phoenix area on January 26 is considerably more optimistic, with afternoon highs expected to reach the mid-60s to mid-70s – a few degrees below average for late January. “Breezy conditions may linger west of the metro area and along the Lower Colorado river Valley through the afternoon,” stated a lead meteorologist with the National Weather service.
Overnight, clear skies and light winds will allow temperatures in Phoenix to drop to the mid-40s, with isolated desert locations potentially nearing freezing early January 26. A gradual warming trend is anticipated throughout the week, with temperatures returning to near or slightly above normal by midweek.
Dry weather is expected to prevail throughout the remainder of the week.While cold mornings will continue in Flagstaff and other high-elevation areas through midweek before temperatures rebound, Tucson and southern Arizona are forecast to experience sunny and seasonable conditions.
Rey Covarrubias Jr.covers business and breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. He can be reached at [email protected] and connected with on Instagram, threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ.
Why did the storm impact Arizona? A large winter storm impacting much of the United States brushed the western edge of Arizona, bringing cooler temperatures and varying degrees of precipitation.
Who was affected? Northern and eastern Arizona, notably the Navajo Nation, experienced the most significant impacts, including heavy snowfall, hazardous road conditions, and a declared state of emergency. Central and Southern Arizona saw spotty showers and rainfall, respectively.
What happened? The storm brought snowfall to higher elevations, rainfall to southern areas, and a state of emergency declaration for the Navajo Nation due to dangerous conditions. nationally, the storm caused over 10,000 flight cancellations and at least two fatalities.
