Freezing temps for Tucson on Weds & Thurs nights, with snow possible

Temperatures will drop below freezing across much of Southern Arizona on Wednesday and Thursday nights, which will “feel like a shock” after recent warm weather, National Weather Service forecasters said. A freeze watch will be in effect.

A hard freeze of below 28 degrees could occur in some areas, with lows of about 25 possible, NWS said. The watch covers the Tucson metro area, the Tohono O’odham Nation, and the rest of Pima and Cochise counties as well as the Safford area.

Areas that have not yet seen temperatures below 32 degrees yet this season are among those likely to be hit by the freeze, forecasters said. The last freeze recorded at Tucson International Airport was on Jan. 12, 2024.

“Mild temperatures with light winds are expected for one more day before a significant change in the weather pattern  begins Tuesday night,” NWS said. “Expect much colder temperatures, breezy to windy conditions, and chances for precipitation Wednesday. Although precipitation amounts are expected to be light, the valley floors east of Tucson may be impacted with up to an inch of snowfall Wednesday morning. After this system departs, widespread sub- freezing temperatures are expected across Southeast Arizona Thursday and Friday mornings.”

The weather will be “very cold indeed, enough for some portions of Tucson to see  some snow,” forecasters said. The metro area “may see some mix of light rain and snow, with valley floors east of Tucson able to muster up an inch of snow. Some localized areas near the Arizona and New Mexico border may even get up to 2 inches. The mountains may fare better with 3 to 5 inches possible, especially on the east and southeast-facing slopes.”

Temperatures are expected to return to normal on the weekend.

A cold front moving through Sunday “will result in strong winds, much lower snow levels, and a widespread hard freeze for most of the area Monday and Tuesday morning,” officials said over the weekend. The weather will be “dry but still cool” in the middle of the week, but another weather system will bring a chance of rain and snow along with gusty winds on Thursday.

Snow levels are expected to drop as low as 3,000 feet, with 4-8 inches possible at the highest peaks, NWS said.

“Daytime temperatures on Monday will struggle in the 40s for most locations even with full sunshine,” forecasters said.

“Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold,” NWS said. “To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing.”