Honestly, if you’re looking at the 7 day forecast flagstaff arizona right now, you might be a little confused. Usually, January in Northern Arizona is all about shoveling driveways and praying the pipes don’t freeze. But this week? It's basically a "January Thaw" on steroids.
We are seeing a massive ridge of high pressure sitting over the West Coast, and it is pushing temperatures way above what most people expect for this time of year. If you’re visiting from Phoenix, you’ll still need a jacket, obviously. But if you’re a local? You might actually see people wearing shorts at Heritage Square by Sunday.
What’s Actually Happening with the 7 Day Forecast Flagstaff Arizona
The National Weather Service out of Flagstaff (the folks over at the Pulliam Airport station) are tracking a weak cold front that’s moving through right now, but it’s not the snowy kind. It’s the "dry and breezy" kind.
The Breakdown
Saturday, January 17: Expect a high of 46°F and a low of 31°F. It’s going to be sunny, but that wind is coming from the east at around 15 mph. It’ll feel nippier than the thermometer says.
Sunday, January 18: This is the peak of the warm-up. We’re looking at a high of 53°F. For context, the average high for mid-January in Flagstaff is usually around 43°F. It’ll be partly sunny, though clouds will start rolling in at night.
Monday, January 19: A bit of a dip to 48°F. There’s a tiny 10% chance of a stray rain shower during the day, but don't hold your breath for snow.
Tuesday, January 20: Back to full sun and 49°F. Basically perfect hiking weather if you hit the lower trails.
Wednesday, January 21: This is where it gets interesting. We hit 51°F during the day, but the "Polar Vortex" talk you’ve been hearing on the news starts to show its face. There’s a 5% chance of snow late Wednesday night.
Thursday, January 22: The high drops to 47°F with a 10% chance of snow as the West Coast ridge starts to weaken.
Friday, January 23: The trend continues downward. We're looking at a high around 45°F with cloudier skies.
Why it Feels Like Spring (But Isn't)
Flagstaff is sitting at 7,000 feet. That means the sun is intense, even when it’s cold. When we get these high-pressure systems, the air sinks and warms up. It’s great for patio dining at Mother Road Brewing, but it’s kinda a bummer for the ski season at Arizona Snowbowl.
Most people get Flagstaff weather wrong because they think "Arizona = Desert."
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Flagstaff is actually one of the snowiest incorporated cities in the United States. But this specific 7 day forecast flagstaff arizona is proving that we are in a "neutral" ENSO cycle. That basically means the Pacific Ocean can't decide if it wants to be wet or dry, so we get these long stretches of weirdly nice weather followed by a random three-foot snowstorm.
Survival Tips for This Week
- The Shade is a Lie: In the sun, 53°F feels like 65°F. The second you step into the shadow of a Ponderosa pine, it feels like 35°F. Layer up.
- Wind Prep: Saturday’s 15 mph wind might sound light, but in the high desert, that northeast wind bites.
- Humidity is Non-Existent: The humidity is hovering around 30%. You won't feel yourself sweating, but you’re dehydrating fast. Drink more water than you think you need.
- Watch the Ice: Even though it’s "warm," the snow that’s already on the ground is melting during the day and refreezing into "black ice" at night when it hits 29°F.
Looking Ahead: Is the Snow Gone?
Not even close. Historically, some of Flagstaff's biggest dumps happen in late January and February. While the 7 day forecast flagstaff arizona shows a lot of "sunny" and "partly sunny" icons, the long-range models suggest the ridge will break down by the end of the month.
If you're planning a trip to see the Grand Canyon, this is actually the "Golden Window." You get the clear views without the bone-chilling sub-zero wind chills that usually haunt the South Rim in January. Just keep an eye on Wednesday night and Thursday; that's the first real signal of the weather pattern shifting back to winter.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your tire pressure: The temperature swings from 53°F to 29°F will trip your TPMS light.
- Sunscreen is mandatory: At this elevation, a "sunny 50-degree day" will give you a goggle tan (or burn) faster than a beach in Cali.
- Pack for four seasons: Bring the heavy coat for the 31°F nights, but keep a hoodie handy for the 53°F afternoons.