Arizona wakes up under a crystal-clear sky as cold air grips the high country. Porch lights glow against frozen ground, and car windshields crunch faintly with frost.
Early temperatures sit near 27 degrees in Flagstaff, marking a hard freeze to start the day. Calm winds keep conditions quiet, but shaded roads and sidewalks may hold slick patches. Drivers along I-40 and I-17 should remain alert through mid-morning.
Sunshine quickly changes the tone. By afternoon, temperatures rebound into the low 60s, delivering a sharp but welcome warm-up. Jackets come off fast once the sun gains strength, and outdoor plans feel comfortable again.
Tonight turns cold once more. Skies stay clear, allowing temperatures to fall back near 27 degrees. Pipes, pets, and plants need protection again, especially in lower-lying neighborhoods.
Thursday follows a similar pattern. Morning frost fades into another sunny afternoon near 62 degrees. Winds remain light, keeping travel smooth across northern Arizona. No precipitation is expected, and visibility stays excellent.
By Friday, warmth builds further. Afternoon highs reach the low 60s, signaling a steady December warm stretch. Meteorologists see no snow signals locally through the end of the week, even as major winter storms impact the northern Plains and Midwest.
The weekend stays mild. Saturday tops out near 60 degrees, with a few passing clouds. Sunday remains mostly sunny near 59 degrees. Nights stay cold, though freezing remains the main concern rather than snow.
For now, winter keeps teasing Flagstaff without delivering flakes. Still, rapid freeze-and-thaw cycles raise the risk of black ice during early mornings.
Five-Day Outlook for Flagstaff:
• Today: Sunny, high 63
• Thursday: Sunny, high 62
• Friday: Sunny, high 63
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 60
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 59
