12/11/15 – A powerful cold front will move through Arizona on Friday. Expect strong southwest winds 25 to 35 MPH gusting to 55 MPH across portions of eastern Arizona where a wind advisory is in effect. Local areas of blowing dust may develop east of Flagstaff. In addition rain and snow showers will develop Friday afternoon and continue through Saturday morning.

A Winter Weather Advisory for heavy snow has been issued for the eastern Mogollon Rim including portions of northern Gila County above 6000 feet and for the White Mountains above 6000 feet from 6 PM this evening unil 6 PM Saturday evening. The timing for the heaviest snow in the White Mountains is forecast to impact that area by around midnight tonight. For more details visit www.weather.gov/flagstaff or check back here for updates as we receive them.

General snow accumulations by Saturday will range from 2 to 5 inches above 6000 feet with an inch or less from 4000-6000 feet. Higher amounts are expected along portions of the eastern Mogollon Rim where 3 to 6 inches are forecast with local amounts as high as 8 inches and for the White Mountains 5 to 9 inches are forecast with up to 12 inches above 9000 feet. If traveling in the high country expect winter driving conditions.

Cold temperatures and light showers will persist Saturday. Dry weather is expected Sunday. A second and colder system should bring rain and snow showers from Sunday night through Monday night with accumulating snow a good possibility.

• Windy conditions today and Friday. Local gusts in excess of 50 mph downwind of prominent terrain features possible tonight and Friday.
• Sharply colder with snow levels dropping to around 4500 feet on Saturday. Heaviest snowfall 5:00 pm Friday through Noon Saturday. Accumulations of 1 to 4 inches above 5000 feet. Trace amounts possible as low as 4500 feet.
• An even colder system heading for northern Arizona early next week. Expect an extended period of below normal temperatures with overnight low temperatures in the single digits to teens. Some snow accumulation is possible Monday and Tuesday, more as the system draws near.
Key Points
Greatest Impacts:
 Windy conditions today through Friday. Local wind gust to 50 mph tonight and on Friday, especially Flagstaff eastward.
 Snow accumulation of 1 to 4 inches above the 5000 foot level trace amounts possible as low as 4500 feet on Saturday. Heaviest snow from 5:00 pm Friday through Noon Saturday.
 Sharply colder. High temperatures 30 to 40 degrees across the area.
 A much colder system early next week with low temperatures in the single digits to teens. Time to take those preventative measures on exposed pipes, livestock, plants, etc. in preparation for a streak of very cold weather.

12/9/15 – Southwest winds will strengthen on Thursday as a cold front and upper level low pressure system approach the area from the northwest. Wind speeds will range from 15 to 25 MPH with gusts from 30-40 MPH.

By Friday a strong cold front will move into Arizona with sharply colder temperatures in the 30’s and 40’s for daytime highs and areas of rain and snow showers with snow levels dropping between 4000 to 5000 feet. Some accumulating snow can be expected from 1 to 3 inches above 5500 feet with higher amounts on the San Francisco Peaks and the White mountains in Southern Apache County. Cold temperatures and showers will persist Saturday before a drying trend on Sunday. Another cold and unsettled system is forecast next Monday and Tuesday. Come back for more updates as we receive them.