Phoenix, Arizona – For anyone traveling across the Southwest in 2026, January represents one of the most overlooked periods for winter driving preparation as cold temperatures, elevation shifts, and occasional snow create hazardous road conditions across Arizona and New Mexico.
Transportation and safety officials across the region note that winter travel risks in the Southwest are often underestimated. While daytime conditions may appear dry and clear, nighttime temperatures frequently drop below freezing, leading to icy patches on roads that saw rain or melting snow earlier in the day.
Officials emphasize that cars, trucks, and SUVs are all vulnerable to losing traction. Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive can help vehicles move forward, but they do not improve braking or prevent sliding on ice or refrozen pavement — particularly at higher elevations.
Throughout January, Southwest travel corridors often transition rapidly in elevation, creating sharp changes in road conditions. These hazards commonly affect routes such as Interstate 40 across northern Arizona and New Mexico, Interstate 17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff, Interstate 25, U.S. Highway 89, and U.S. Highway 550, as well as rural highways and mountain routes.
January is considered a critical time for drivers to reassess vehicle readiness before long-distance travel. Officials recommend checking tire tread depth and pressure, testing brakes, replacing worn wiper blades, and ensuring headlights and taillights are fully operational. Windshield washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures is also advised.
Emergency preparedness is especially important in the Southwest, where long distances between services and cold nighttime temperatures can turn minor delays into serious situations. Winter kits should include warm clothing, blankets, food, water, a flashlight, a phone charger, and traction devices when conditions warrant. Drivers are encouraged to keep fuel tanks at least half full.
Planning ahead remains one of the most effective winter safety measures. Sharing travel plans, allowing extra travel time, and checking road and pass conditions before departure can reduce risk. Real-time updates are available through state transportation agencies, with official forecasts posted at weather.gov.
Officials stress that winter travel safety in January depends less on familiarity with desert driving and more on preparation, patience, and awareness showing that winter conditions can exist even in arid regions.
