Phoenix meteorologist predicts cold front through midweek

On January 21, 2025By Littum

Winter weather continued in the Phoenix area after months of above-average temperatures.

The National Weather Service issued a freeze watch from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as cold temperatures approach metro Phoenix.

Tuesday night was expected to be a low of 34 degrees in Phoenix, with low temperatures to continue in the upper 30s through the rest of the week.

“We’re on the back end of a large-scale weather system that’s affecting much of the United States, bringing a lot of cold weather,” said Matt Salerno, a senior meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Phoenix. “We’re experiencing a cold front pushing through the west and running down the Colorado River Valley.”

Most of the metro area will be affected, and meteorologists warned residents to take action before temperatures drop.

People should protect pets, plants, pipes and themselves in cold weather. Covering outdoor plants and exposed pipes and bringing pets indoors can help keep them all safe.

Winds could reach 35 mph Monday evening, so residents should also consider tying down loose outdoor items.

Salerno said the rest of the week will steadily warm up, with daytime highs in the mid-60s and low 70s by Friday.

Phoenix’s 151-day dry spell starting Monday afternoon may finally end over the weekend, as there is a 20% to 40% chance of rain Saturday night into Sunday. This is the second longest streak without rain in Phoenix – the longest stretch was 160 days in 1972.

Rain chances will continue through early next week as a slow-moving system lingers over the region.

“We’re hoping that streak is coming to an end. We’re quickly approaching the 160-day record,” Salerno said. “All we need is one-hundredth of an inch to end that streak at Sky Harbor, but we would prefer much more than that.”

Hayleigh Evans writes about extreme weather and related topics for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email her with story tips on [email protected].