FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The first freeze of the season will grip parts of northern Arizona late Tuesday night, with temperatures expected to fall into the mid-20s to lower 30s by early Wednesday. Residents across the Little Colorado River Valley, Painted Desert, and Chinle Valley should prepare for rapidly dropping temperatures and potential damage to unprotected vegetation and plumbing.
According to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, the Freeze Warning remains in effect from 11 p.m. Tuesday until 8 a.m. Wednesday. Overnight lows could be cold enough to kill gardens, crops, and other sensitive plants. Homeowners are urged to wrap or drain exposed outdoor pipes and allow faucets to drip slowly to prevent bursting.
Those with in-ground sprinkler systems should drain and cover above-ground components before temperatures plunge. Residents are also advised to bring pets indoors and cover tender plants tonight.
Temperatures are expected to rebound slightly by midweek, but additional cold mornings are possible later this week. The National Weather Service advises continued caution as fall’s first freeze tightens its grip on northern Arizona.
