FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Frost glitters on rooftops across Coconino County this morning as northern Arizona wakes to a crisp, 32-degree dawn. The air feels sharper, quieter — a telltale sign that fall is shifting gears. By Thursday morning, temperatures could dip to the season’s first freezing mark, while a midweek line of showers adds just enough moisture to hint at early winter’s approach.
According to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, Tuesday stays bright and mild with highs near 72°F before clouds build late Tuesday evening. A weak system crosses the Mogollon Rim early Wednesday, bringing a 30% chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms, mainly before midday. Winds will increase slightly from the southwest, gusting up to 20 mph by afternoon as the system passes.
Drivers along I-40 between Flagstaff and Winslow should prepare for brief, wet pavement Wednesday morning and cooler air sweeping in from the San Francisco Peaks. The moisture won’t linger, but the post-frontal chill will — with lows near or below freezing both Thursday and Friday mornings. Residents should protect sensitive plants, drain garden hoses, and prepare outdoor pets for subfreezing dawns.
By late week, skies clear and winds ease, setting up a sunny but cool weekend. Highs rebound into the low 60s under dry, crisp air — ideal for trail work, home projects, or early Halloween decorating. Still, models suggest another cold push early next week, possibly reinforcing this first stretch of true fall weather in northern Arizona.
Five-Day Forecast for Flagstaff, AZ:
Tue: 72/36 – Sunny and calm; cool late.
Wed: 67/35 – Morning showers, breezy; cooler air returns.
Thu: 61/32 – Sunny; first freeze possible at dawn.
Fri: 63/31 – Mostly clear; brisk start, light wind.
Sat: 63/34 – Mostly sunny; pleasant, crisp weekend air.
