Flagstaff, Arizona – A surge of spring wind is on track to hit northern Arizona hard Monday night, threatening travel safety and increasing fire danger across Flagstaff and surrounding areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, sustained southwest winds of 24 to 30 mph with gusts nearing 47 mph are expected late Monday into Tuesday. Areas along I-40 and I-17 could see reduced visibility due to blowing dust, especially during peak gust hours overnight into early Tuesday.
Winds begin ramping up Monday afternoon, with speeds increasing throughout the evening. By Tuesday, gusts remain strong, especially along elevated terrain and open roadways. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should avoid travel if possible or use extreme caution.
Sunday offers a calm lead-in, with sunny skies and highs near 75°F. Winds will gradually build during the day, reaching 28 mph by afternoon. Monday’s high will drop slightly to 73°F, but the wind threat grows significantly by nightfall.
By midweek, the winds persist but weaken slightly. Tuesday night’s breezes will calm to around 11 mph, and Wednesday brings clearer skies with more moderate gusts around 28 mph. Lows dip into the 30s by Tuesday night, which could raise concern for cold-sensitive vegetation.
Looking ahead, conditions stabilize by Thursday with sunny skies and highs in the upper 60s. Fire-sensitive areas should remain on alert into midweek as dry, gusty conditions persist.
Winds remain the primary threat through Tuesday night. Additional wind advisories may be issued, so residents should monitor updates from the NWS and prepare for potential travel delays and fire restrictions.
