Arizona’s desert calm turns sharply cold as clear skies and light winds allow heat to escape fast after sunset. The air feels crisp before dawn, frost sparkles on shaded surfaces, and sensitive plants face real risk as winter tightens its grip on southern Arizona.
According to the National Weather Service in Tucson, a Freeze Warning remains in effect from midnight through 9 a.m. Saturday for the Tucson metro, the Santa Cruz River Valley, and parts of Pinal County. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the upper 20s to near 30 degrees, with some colder pockets dipping to around 25 degrees by early Saturday morning.
These temperatures pose a threat to unprotected outdoor plumbing, pets, and sensitive vegetation. Frost development becomes more widespread toward sunrise, especially in low-lying areas and locations where winds go calm. Localized fog may briefly intensify the cold by trapping moisture near the surface.
Travel impacts remain limited, but early-morning drivers could encounter frost on windshields and slick patches on elevated surfaces. Allow extra time before heading out and use caution on bridges or shaded roadways.
Saturday afternoon offers quick relief. Sunshine returns, and highs rebound into the upper 50s. Winds pick up slightly, helping mix warmer air back into the valley. The warming trend continues into Sunday and Monday, with daytime highs climbing into the 60s and upper 60s.
Still, cold mornings remain a concern through the weekend. Cover tender plants, bring pets indoors, and insulate exposed pipes before nightfall. Meteorologists expect no additional freeze warnings after Saturday morning as temperatures steadily recover.
How cold did it feel in your neighborhood just before sunrise?
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Tucson, Arizona
• Today: Sunny after patchy frost early. High near 54.
• Saturday: Frost early, then sunny. High near 59.
• Sunday: Sunny and breezy. High near 62.
• Monday: Sunny and warmer. High near 68.
• Tuesday: Sunny. High near 70, low near 41.
