Arizona — Headlights cut through the darkness as frost glitters on rooftops and pine needles across the high country. The air feels sharp and still, a classic Flagstaff winter morning that bites first and eases later.
Temperatures start near 24 degrees early today, well below freezing. Calm winds allow the cold to settle, creating slick patches on shaded roads and sidewalks. Drivers should slow down early, especially along I-40 and Route 66, where bridges cool fastest. Sunshine quickly helps, pushing afternoon highs close to 59 degrees.
The warming trend continues into Monday. Morning lows dip back into the mid-20s, followed by a bright, dry afternoon near 58 degrees. Travel conditions improve rapidly after sunrise, and no snow or precipitation is expected. It feels more like late fall than mid-December by midday.
By Tuesday, temperatures climb even higher. Highs reach around 60 degrees, offering one of the mildest stretches Flagstaff has seen this December. Winds remain light, skies stay clear, and mountain travel remains smooth. For now, winter hazards are limited to overnight freeze and early-morning frost.
This sharp contrast between cold nights and mild days brings a familiar risk. Melted frost can refreeze after sunset, creating black ice even without snow. Pedestrians and drivers should stay alert during evening hours as temperatures drop quickly.
With Christmas travel approaching, this calm window offers reliable conditions across northern Arizona. Meteorologists note this as an early winter tease, not a signal winter is finished. Colder systems often return quickly to the high elevations later in December.
For now, Flagstaff residents get crisp mornings, comfortable afternoons, and clear skies. It’s a reminder that winter here often arrives quietly before roaring back.
5-Day Outlook for Flagstaff, AZ
- Today: Sunny, high 59°F
- Monday: Sunny, high 58°F
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 60°F
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 60°F
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 61°F
