Arizona Braces for Two-Part Cold Snap, Bringing Rain to Deserts and Snow to High Country
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Arizona residents are preparing for a significant shift in weather as two storm systems are forecast to deliver a cold snap after a period of unseasonably mild conditions. The approaching systems will bring rain to the lower deserts and substantial snowfall to northern Arizona, potentially disrupting travel plans.
After enjoying a relatively warm winter, the state is poised for a dramatic change beginning on January 7th. The first system will initiate a period of cooler temperatures and precipitation, followed closely by a second, more potent system late January 8th into January 9th.
Phoenix Area Forecast: Cooler Temperatures and Light Rain
The Phoenix metropolitan area will experience increasing chances of rain throughout the afternoon of January 7th as the initial system moves through. While rainfall accumulation in the lower deserts is expected to be modest – ranging from a few hundredths of an inch to nearly a quarter of an inch in some locations – temperatures will noticeably decline.
High temperatures throughout the week are predicted to dip into the low 60s, a departure from the seasonal average of around 67 degrees. A second system arriving late January 8th could bring additional showers, primarily in higher terrain areas, and overnight lows are forecast to fall into the 30s and 40s by the morning of January 9th.
Forecasters are closely monitoring conditions for potential freezing temperatures and may issue freeze warnings for colder communities east of Phoenix, including portions of Gila County near Globe.
Northern Arizona: Snowfall and Travel Concerns
Northern Arizona is bracing for more substantial impacts, with several inches of snow anticipated, particularly at higher elevations. Precipitation will initially fall as rain at lower elevations, with snow levels starting around 7,000 feet on January 7th.
As colder air descends, snow levels are expected to drop to between 5,500 and 6,500 feet overnight on January 7th, and further to 4,500 to 5,500 feet on January 8th. Areas above 6,500 feet could accumulate several inches of snow through the morning of January 9th, with the Mogollon Rim and the highest elevations receiving the most significant snowfall.
“This system is originating out of the southwest, it looks to traverse from west to east mostly across our region,” said a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
Travel impacts are likely on January 8th, especially along Interstate 40 near Flagstaff and Interstate 17 south toward Munds Park. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and monitor road conditions closely.
Drier conditions are expected to return by January 9th, with temperatures gradually returning to normal levels over the weekend.
