Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Flagstaff, AZ
Issued by NWS Flagstaff, AZ
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897 FXUS65 KFGZ 171732 AFDFGZ Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 1032 AM MST Mon Nov 17 2025 .SYNOPSIS...Unsettled weather continues to be the main story through much of the forecast period. Expect rain and high elevation snow beginning tonight through at least Wednesday night. && .DISCUSSION...The low pressure system that brought rain and high elevation snow showers yesterday (Sunday) is now centered over northern UT, leaving behind only a few pockets of low cloud cover for our CWA. Today should be fairly quiet weather-wise, as Arizona briefly settles under a weak ridge. Even so, daytime highs will remain on the chilly side with afternoon highs landing 5-10 degrees below normal. Another low pressure system will begin pushing down from the Pacific Northwest today, becoming a closed low right along the California Coast by this afternoon. Once again, this closed low is trending on the warmer side compared to some of the previous model runs we saw within the last 24-48 hours. As a result, temperatures overall are a few degrees warmer and snow levels don`t appear to be as exciting. That might not be the news you were hoping to hear, but precipitation is still forecast to roll through tomorrow night through at least Wednesday night. Snow levels will start off above 8000`, but by Tuesday evening, we`ll see a downward trend from western Coconino and Yavapai Counties to the I-17 corridor, where snow levels look to drop closer to 6500-7000`. Snow amounts across more populated areas do not look overly impressive, but the greatest potential for snowfall is forecast overnight Tuesday through much of Wednesday. This could create a few slick spots across portions of I-40 and the I-17 for the Wednesday morning commute, so giving yourself a few extra minutes on the roads would not be a bad idea. With all that being said, current storm total amounts for locations generally above 7000` look to be around 0.5-2", with more impressive snow accumulation for areas such as the Kaibab Plateau, San Francisco Peaks, and the White Mountains. Winds are also worth mentioning with this closed low pressure system. Pressure gradients should be the tightest on Tuesday, where we could see southerly winds gusting near 30 mph, primarily across the eastern Rim and White Mountains. Thursday onward...Arizona is forecast to stay under an unsettled weather pattern, but only time will tell on what the details of the "unsettled" weather will be. && .AVIATION...Monday 17/18Z through Tuesday 18/18Z...For KFLG, KGCN: Ceilings MVFR improve to VFR by 021Z before lowering to MVFR and IFR by 06Z Tuesday. For other terminals: VFR lowering to MVFR by 03-06Z. Rain showers with embedded thunderstorms possible as soon as 03Z Tuesday, becoming widespread 06Z onward. Winds SW 10kts this afternoon, light and variable or terrain driven overnight. OUTLOOK...Tuesday 18/18Z through Thursday 20/18Z...Some periods of VFR possible, but MVFR to IFR will be more likely. Numerous rounds of showers with embedded thunderstorms possible. Snow level lowers enough to possibly impact KFLG, KGCN. Winds S-SW 10-15kts, gusts 20-25kts. && .FIRE WEATHER...Today through Tuesday...Mostly dry and cool conditions will prevail today. Showers will increase from the southwest this evening, becoming widespread tonight across Yavapai and Coconino counties. Scattered to widespread rain showers expected on Tuesday with a chance of high elevation snow in the evening. Winds 5-15 mph on Monday, becoming south 10-20 mph on Tuesday. Wednesday through Friday...Scattered to widespread rain/snow showers will continue on Wednesday generally along and south of the Rim, becoming more isolated Thursday and Friday. && .FGZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...None. && $$ PUBLIC...Konieczny AVIATION...Bernhart FIRE WEATHER...BAK For Northern Arizona weather information visit weather.gov/flagstaff