Arizona — A Freeze Warning remains in effect across much of southern Arizona until 9 a.m. MST Saturday, with overnight temperatures expected to fall well below freezing in several regions.
According to the National Weather Service in Tucson, low temperatures early Friday ranged from 28 to 35 degrees, with colder conditions forecast Saturday morning. Some locations could see lows between 18 and 28 degrees, particularly in eastern Cochise County below 5,000 feet and the Upper Gila River Valley.
The warning includes the Tucson metro area, South Central and Southeast Pinal County, the Tohono O’odham Nation, the Upper Santa Cruz River Valley, the Upper San Pedro River Valley, Eastern Cochise County, and the Upper Gila River Valley. Cities affected include Tucson, Nogales, Marana, Green Valley, Oracle, Vail, Sierra Vista, Benson, Willcox, Douglas, Safford, and Clifton.
The National Weather Service warned that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation and may damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. The coldest temperatures are expected during the early morning hours Saturday.
Residents are urged to protect tender plants, bring sensitive vegetation indoors when possible, and take steps to prevent water pipes from freezing. Officials recommend wrapping exposed pipes, draining outdoor plumbing, or allowing faucets to drip slowly overnight.
Freeze warnings are issued when prolonged sub-freezing temperatures are likely to cause damage. Agricultural interests and rural communities are especially vulnerable during extended cold periods.
Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing later Saturday morning, though lingering cold conditions may persist in higher elevations and sheltered valleys.
Residents should continue monitoring National Weather Service updates for any extensions or additional cold weather alerts.
