Frost glistens across rooftops and pine branches in Flagstaff this morning as the thermometer hovers near 23°F. The air is still, crisp, and unmistakably winter — the kind that carries your breath across the high country before the sun lifts above the San Francisco Peaks.
By midday, that deep mountain chill will give way to a steady warm-up. According to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, temperatures will rise into the upper 50s to low 60s through Thursday, bringing a streak of bright, dry weather perfect for travel, outdoor work, and early holiday decorating. Calm winds under 10 mph will keep conditions stable across northern Arizona, with nights dipping back into the low 20s and 30s under clear skies.
For now, high pressure dominates the state — but the broader U.S. weather picture tells a more dramatic story. A powerful Arctic front is expected to sweep across the Great Lakes, Midwest, and Northeast between December 11–17, sending bitter cold into much of the nation. While Arizona will remain on the mild side of that system, temperatures could edge cooler late next week, possibly signaling the region’s next winter pattern change.
Drivers should continue to watch for early-morning frost and black ice on shaded mountain roads, especially near I-40 and Highway 180.
Five-Day Snapshot (Flagstaff, AZ):
Wednesday: Sunny, high 58°F.
Thursday: Sunny, high 63°F.
Friday: Sunny, high 63°F.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 60°F.
Sunday: Sunny, high 60°F.
