Arizona – Thin clouds slide over the San Francisco Peaks as cold air pools across the high country. Pavement stays dry for now, but the feel of winter sharpens quickly as snow chances rise and temperatures trend down heading into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, Flagstaff remains mostly dry early, but snow showers are expected to develop Friday afternoon and continue at times into Saturday night. Daytime highs fall from the upper 40s Friday to near 40 Saturday, while nighttime temperatures dip into the teens. Winds increase at times, adding a biting edge and reducing visibility during heavier bursts of snow.
Snow amounts look light overall, but impacts could be outsized. Even brief snow showers can coat roads, especially along I-40, Highway 89, and Route 180. Melting during the day followed by rapid cooling creates a classic flash-freeze setup after sunset. Drivers may encounter slick spots with little warning.
By Saturday, snow chances peak, with periods of light accumulation possible across Flagstaff and nearby higher terrain. Gusty northwest winds may blow snow across exposed stretches, briefly dropping visibility. Conditions improve gradually Sunday as skies brighten, though morning lows near 13 degrees keep untreated roads icy.
Looking ahead, early next week turns milder and dry, with highs climbing back into the 40s. Longer-range outlooks hint at increased precipitation chances across parts of the West later next week, but timing remains uncertain.
Plan extra travel time this weekend. Keep winter gear in your vehicle and slow down on shaded roads. If you’re driving during snow showers, reduce speed and increase following distance. Seeing slick roads where you are? Share what conditions look like near you.
Five-Day Outlook for Flagstaff, AZ
- Friday: Chance of snow showers; high near 48°F
- Saturday: Snow showers likely; high near 40°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, cold morning; high near 40°F
- Monday: Partly cloudy; high near 44°F
- Tuesday: Sunny and dry; high near 47°F
