Arizona – A cold, starlit morning grips the San Francisco Peaks as Flagstaff wakes under clear skies and biting November air. Frost clings to rooftops and thin ice glitters along shaded sidewalks, subtle reminders that winter sits close. Residents traveling this weekend—especially along I-40 or US-180—should prepare for shifting conditions Sunday as a stronger storm sweeps through northern Arizona.
According to the National Weather Service Flagstaff office, today stays calm and mostly sunny with highs near the mid-60s. That quiet setup fades Saturday as clouds increase and the first showers develop after midday. Winds strengthen steadily, especially across higher ridges, where gusts may approach 30 mph by evening. The main system arrives Sunday with widespread rain, pockets of thunder, and a quick drop in temperatures that could trigger a rain-snow changeover after sunset.
According to meteorologists, snow is most likely above 7,000 feet, though a brief slushy mix could reach parts of the city if colder air rushes in sooner than models suggest. Sunday’s sharp shift may slow travel across I-40 from Williams to Winslow, where bursts of rain and wind could reduce visibility. Higher terrain near Snowbowl should watch for slick spots Sunday night into early Monday.
Models hint at additional disturbances next week, setting the stage for a longer cold stretch approaching Thanksgiving. That pattern offers an early sign of stronger winter storms later this month, especially if colder northern air taps into Pacific moisture.
For now, residents can take advantage of today’s sun for leaf cleanup or early holiday decorating before the weather turns. After all, Flagstaff’s November often flips quickly, and this weekend marks the first true “Winter Tease” of the season.
Five-Day Forecast for Flagstaff, AZ:
Fri: 65/35 – Mostly sunny; calm and cool.
Sat: 60/35 – Increasing clouds; showers possible late.
Sun: 43/31 – Rain, thunder; evening rain-snow mix.
Mon: 44/28 – Chance of showers; colder air settles in.
Tue: 40/23 – Rain and snow showers; brisk and colder.
