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Snow has caused numerous closures across northern Arizona, from school districts and mountain campus classes at NAU to numerous highways across Arizona. Driving conditions have become hazardous due to this weather pattern.
Temperatures
Flagstaff boasts an environment which ranges from pinon-juniper studded plateaus and high desert to lush alpine forest and barren tundra, offering four distinct seasons with mild winters and hot summers. Due to this vast ecological variety, climate and weather in Flagstaff can vary significantly due to this wide diversity. Although climate and weather variations exist between seasons and locations, Flagstaff experiences four distinct seasons that each have distinct climate patterns: mild winters with hot summers.
Flagstaff’s annual snowfall can vary significantly. On years with high precipitation levels, December may witness over 27 inches of fresh powder while low snowfall years might only see nine or fewer inches.
Flagstaff is an ideal location for astronomy due to the Colorado Plateau’s clear air and dark skies, making it one of the first International Dark Sky Cities and home to numerous observatories. Additionally, Flagstaff hosts the Flagstaff Star Party which hosts events ranging from science talks and music concerts to theater productions all designed to educate locals and visitors about its beautiful night skies.
Flagstaff stands at a higher elevation than many cities in the US, meaning spending time outdoors may quickly lead to fatigue and shortness of breath. Drinking plenty of water and using sunscreen are both necessary to remain hydrated and avoid heat exhaustion and fatigue. Since temperatures in Flagstaff can also drop at night, bringing layers and dressing warmly is recommended; also bring along your hat and gloves if possible! Finally, avoid overexerting yourself; overdoing it could result in heat exhaustion and fatigue.
Snowfall
Flagstaff and parts of northern Arizona are awakening to an icy landscape as this storm brings heavy snowfall totals – up to two feet for some areas – since Wednesday night until Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service records. Drivers on some highways have reported problems related to driving through this weather-induced snowfall.
At its height, nearly 12 highways were closed by snowfall; that list has since diminished as the storm abates. ADOT is already out in full force with 200 snow plows operating throughout the state.
Flagstaff-area National Weather Service office Bellemont recently reported 146.7 inches of snow since July 1. That figure surpasses 2009 to March’s record total of 115.4 inches, while at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport 140.1 inches stands as second only to 153.9 inch mark from 1948 through 1949.
Flagstaff averages an annual snowfall of 113 inches. Significant accumulations typically take place on seven days in January and four in February; due to being surrounded by mountains that see snow fall throughout winter. As such, Flagstaff makes for an excellent place for people who appreciate four distinct seasons, as the Colorado Plateau boasts clear skies with breathtaking astronomy views.
Wind
People living in Coconino and Yavapai counties woke up Thursday to an incredible winter scene atop their mountains. In fact, this was the largest snowfall of the season so far; according to data compiled by the National Weather Service Flagstaff this meteorological winter ranks fifth overall since records began being kept back in 1828.
May daily temperatures range between 74 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit, with maximums reaching 84 and minimums hitting 42. There is an 8% chance it may rain or snow each day, and on average 0.32 inches of precipitation fall across the city each time.
On average, Flagstaff receives snow six days each year. Snowstorms that deposit 10 inches or more typically occur during January and February. Even November and December snowfall can sometimes cause travel disruptions, although usually not to the same extent.
Weather in Spring tends to be relatively calm; this changes with midsummer as monsoon rains set in. The city boasts 700 lane miles, 8 alley miles, 131 bike lanes and 270 miles of sidewalk; as well as 27,000 driveways that require plowing multiple times with equipment multiple passes through them – and prioritises plowing operations so as to maintain open main roads.
Precipitation
This precipitation information displayed here is collected using remote, automated sensors and uploaded directly to the City website in real-time, without being reviewed and could contain discrepancies; it should not be seen as a replacement for monitoring by National Weather Service of watches, warnings and advisories issued.
Flagstaff offers a dry climate with very low humidity levels, so it is wise to be prepared by dressing in layers, using sunscreen, and carrying an extra water supply when outdoors. A lack of humidity may cause itchy eyes or dry skin in both children and seniors.
Winter typically arrives to northern Arizona around October and lasts through April, with snowfall beginning anytime between October and December; February and March typically receive the highest amounts of fresh powder each year.
Rain and snowfall data is collected at the Pulliam Airport Weather Station located five miles south of Flagstaff at an elevation of 7,003 feet. Established by the National Weather Service in 1950, the station began operations in 1950 and remains active today.
