Arizona — Gray skies lower over Southeast Arizona this morning as moisture deepens and the air turns noticeably heavier. By later today, rain spreads across valleys while higher terrain turns colder and whiter, signaling an active winter pattern settling in.
According to the National Weather Service, a series of weather systems moves across Southeast Arizona today and Thursday. The first system brings increasing confidence in widespread valley rain, especially from Wednesday afternoon into early evening. Periods of moderate rainfall are possible, enough to create ponding in roadway dips and low-lying areas around Tucson and communities eastward.
Snow levels remain high initially, keeping most valley locations wet rather than wintry. However, elevations above roughly 6,000 feet see accumulating snow by late today and tonight, impacting mountain travel near Mount Lemmon and higher routes across Cochise and Graham counties. Drivers heading into higher terrain should prepare for slick conditions and reduced visibility.
A second, colder system follows Thursday. While moisture decreases overall, colder air allows snow to become more impactful at elevation, particularly above 6,000 feet. Gusty winds may accompany the system, creating brief bursts of reduced visibility in mountain passes.
By Friday and Saturday mornings, attention shifts to cold. Clearing skies and colder air allow temperatures to dip near or below freezing in valleys east of Tucson. Frost becomes a concern for early commuters and those with sensitive plants. Wet pavement from earlier rain may refreeze in sheltered spots, raising a localized slick-road risk near sunrise.
Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded roadways, especially at night, and to allow extra travel time during periods of heavier rain. Winter weather continues to remind Southern Arizona that January can change quickly.
