Weather
Northern Arizona Weather Alert: Wind, Rain Return Oct 16-18
Flagstaff, AZ – Strong easterly winds could sweep across Flagstaff and the surrounding high country Friday, bringing gusts reaching 41 mph before a more unsettled weather pattern develops later in the
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-10-15T09:16:44.354Z
Flagstaff, AZ – Strong easterly winds could sweep across Flagstaff and the surrounding high country Friday, bringing gusts reaching 41 mph before a more unsettled weather pattern develops later in the weekend. The National Weather Service expects sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 50s Friday, but gusty conditions could complicate travel along exposed highways. By Sunday, showers and thunderstorms become possible, with rain chances increasing further during the middle of next week. The combination of wind, chilly nighttime temperatures and developing precipitation will bring several weather changes to northern Arizona.
According to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, Friday will be sunny and breezy, with a high near 58 degrees. East winds of 22 to 26 mph could gust as high as 41 mph, making Friday the windiest day in the supplied local forecast. The stronger winds follow a breezy Thursday, when northeast winds of 16 to 22 mph could produce gusts reaching 36 mph. Thursday night will remain mostly clear, with temperatures falling to around 41 degrees and east winds gusting to 32 mph.
Friday Winds Could Affect Northern Arizona Travel Friday's gusty conditions may be particularly noticeable along Interstate 40, Interstate 17 and U.S. Highway 89, where exposed stretches of roadway can leave vehicles vulnerable to crosswinds. High profile vehicles, including tractor trailers and recreational vehicles, may experience greater difficulty maintaining stability during stronger gusts. The supplied forecast does not identify road closures, wind related accidents or an active wind warning for Flagstaff.
Residents planning outdoor activities should also account for the wind, especially in open areas surrounding the city. Loose outdoor furniture, lightweight decorations and other unsecured belongings could shift during stronger gusts. Friday night will remain partly cloudy, with temperatures falling to approximately 32 degrees as east winds decrease to 13 to 18 mph, although gusts could still reach 30 mph.
Sunday Brings a 30% Chance of Showers and Thunderstorms Saturday will offer a brief transition toward calmer conditions, with partly sunny skies and a high near 56 degrees. East winds around 15 mph could gust to 24 mph, while Saturday night brings mostly cloudy skies and a 20% chance of showers. Temperatures will fall to approximately 37 degrees.
By Sunday, Oct. 18, the forecast becomes more unsettled. The National Weather Service expects a slight chance of showers early, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. The overall precipitation probability is 30%, with temperatures reaching approximately 60 degrees and east winds around 6 mph.
Sunday night will bring a 10% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m., followed by partly cloudy skies and a low near 38 degrees. Although thunderstorms are possible, the supplied forecast does not indicate an organized severe weather threat or significant rainfall totals.
Rain Chances Increase Further Next Week The possibility of unsettled weather will continue Monday, with a 30% chance of showers after 11 a.m. Temperatures are expected to reach approximately 60 degrees, with southwest winds developing during the morning and occasional gusts reaching 18 mph.
Tuesday brings a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, followed by another 40% chance of showers Tuesday night. Wednesday carries the highest precipitation probability in the available forecast at 50%, with showers and thunderstorms possible and afternoon temperatures near 56 degrees.
For Flagstaff residents, Friday's gusty winds represent the most immediate concern, while Sunday's developing showers and the increasing rain chances next week could affect outdoor recreation and travel plans.
Will Friday's strong winds or Sunday's chance of thunderstorms change your weekend plans around Flagstaff?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Sunny and breezy conditions will bring a high near 56 degrees, with northeast winds gusting to 36 mph, followed by mostly clear skies Thursday night and temperatures falling to approximately 41 degrees.
Friday 10/16: Sunny skies and a high near 58 degrees will accompany east winds of 22 to 26 mph, with gusts reaching 41 mph, before partly cloudy conditions develop Friday night and temperatures fall to around 32 degrees.
Saturday 10/17: Partly sunny skies and a high near 56 degrees will bring somewhat lighter winds, with gusts reaching 24 mph, followed by mostly cloudy skies, a 20% chance of showers and a nighttime low near 37 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: Mostly sunny skies and a high near 60 degrees will accompany a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 11 a.m., followed by a 10% chance of evening precipitation and temperatures falling to approximately 38 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Mostly sunny skies and a high near 60 degrees will bring a 30% chance of afternoon showers, with southwest winds gusting to 18 mph, followed by partly cloudy skies, a 20% chance of showers and a low near 39 degrees.
Extended Outlook: Oct. 20 21 Tuesday, Oct. 20, is expected to bring partly sunny skies and a high near 58 degrees, with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. South winds will increase to 6 to 11 mph during the morning, with gusts reaching 24 mph.
Tuesday night will remain mostly cloudy, with temperatures falling to approximately 39 degrees and a 40% chance of showers.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, will bring partly sunny skies and a high near 56 degrees, with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. South winds of 8 to 16 mph could produce gusts reaching 31 mph.