Weather
Northern Arizona Freeze Oct. 14–15: Lows Drop Into the 20s
Flagstaff, AZ – Northern Arizona is facing a sharp arrival of fall weather October 13–16, with freezing overnight temperatures, mountain snow and wind gusts approaching 45 mph expected across portions
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-13T13:48:18.634Z
Flagstaff, AZ – Northern Arizona is facing a sharp arrival of fall weather October 13–16, with freezing overnight temperatures, mountain snow and wind gusts approaching 45 mph expected across portions of the High Country.
According to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, showers will continue Tuesday, October 13, as a storm system brings cool temperatures and gusty southwest winds. Snow levels could fall to approximately 7,000 feet Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, October 14.
Light snow accumulation is possible above 8,000 feet, primarily across the Kaibab Plateau and Chuska Mountains.
The colder conditions could also produce the first freeze of the season for some higher elevation communities Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
Flagstaff is forecast to drop to 30 degrees Wednesday morning and 31 degrees Thursday morning. Williams could experience lows near 29 degrees Wednesday and 31 degrees Thursday.
Jacob Lake faces even colder conditions, with temperatures potentially falling to 25 degrees Wednesday and 27 degrees Thursday.
Grand Canyon Village could see overnight lows near 34 degrees Wednesday and 31 degrees Thursday.
Residents in these areas should prepare for freezing temperatures that could damage sensitive outdoor plants and create uncomfortable conditions for anyone spending extended periods outside.
Meanwhile, gusty winds will remain another concern.
Southwest winds Tuesday are expected to shift toward the east and northeast Thursday and Friday, with gusts generally reaching 30–45 mph.
The National Weather Service forecast shows gusts potentially reaching 40 mph in Flagstaff Friday, 41 mph in Sedona and 47 mph in St. Johns.
Drivers traveling through exposed highways and higher elevations should remain alert for strong crosswinds, especially in high profile vehicles. Wet roads and possible snow at higher elevations could also affect mountain travel Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Precipitation chances are expected to decrease across much of the region Thursday as the storm system moves out.
Residents should monitor updated forecasts at weather.gov/fgz as conditions change throughout the week.