Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Flagstaff, AZ
Issued by NWS Flagstaff, AZ
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952 FXUS65 KFGZ 282009 AFDFGZ Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 109 PM MST Fri Nov 28 2025 .SYNOPSIS...Above normal temperatures and dry conditions are expected to continue through much of the weekend. From late Sunday through early Monday, cooler temperatures and slight chances for rain and high elevation snow return to the forecast, primarily across far northeastern Arizona. Fair weather returns on Tuesday, with the potential for a return of unsettled weather during the second half of the week. && .DISCUSSION...Fair weather and unseasonably warm temperatures will continue through Saturday. On Sunday, southwest wind speeds increase and daytime temperatures cool a few degrees ahead of an approaching 500 mb shortwave trough. This trough remains on track to cross northern Arizona from late Sunday into Monday, but impacts associated with this weather system are expected to be minor. The current forecast calls for a 20-30% chance of light snow in the Chuska Mountains of far northeast Arizona, with only a 10-20% chance elsewhere. In areas that do receive light snowfall, forecast accumulations are an inch or less. That said, the snowiest model solutions predict 2-3 inches of snow over the higher terrain of eastern Arizona, including the Chuska Mountains. Although only minor winter weather impacts are expected, travelers should exercise caution if traveling along northern Arizona`s high elevation roadways Sunday night and Monday morning in northeast Arizona, including Buffalo Pass. Otherwise, expect a noticeable cool down, with a round of below normal daytime temperatures on Monday. A return of fair weather is likely on Tuesday, but longer range models forecast the passage of a second low pressure system again during the second half of the week. Significant model spread exists regarding the track, timing and strength of this second system. Confidence is high that the second half of the week will see below normal temperatures associated with this unsettle pattern, but how this will play out in terms of the potential for rain and snow is still hard to say. The current forecast calls for a 10-40% chance of light rain/high elevation snow. The bulk of the model solutions indicate less than 0.10 inches of liquid precipitation and only light snowfall. The wettest model solutions show a stronger low developing off the coast of southern California capable of drawing deeper moisture into the state from the south. In this case, models suggest 0.25-0.75 inches of liquid precipitation along and south of the Mogollon Rim, with accumulating snow in the 1-3 inch range over higher terrain from the Mogollon Rim northward. All in all, this will most likely be another very low impact system, but if the wetter model solutions verify, we may see at least minor winter weather impacts. && .AVIATION...Friday 28/18Z through Saturday 29/18Z...VFR conditions, no precipitation expected. Winds SW 5-10kts daytime, light and variable or terrain driven overnight. OUTLOOK...Saturday 29/18Z through Monday 01/18Z...VFR conditions, no precipitation Saturday, slight chance of rain and high elevation snow showers northeast Arizona Sunday night into Monday morning. Winds light and variable Saturday, becoming SW 10-20kt, gusts to 25kts Sunday, N 5-10kts Monday. && .FIRE WEATHER...Saturday and Sunday...Dry and mild weather will continue through Saturday and most of Sunday. Sunday evening into Monday morning could see a 10-30% chance of rain and high elevation snow showers over northeastern Arizona as a weak weather system brushes by, with the Chuskas being the area favored best for precipitation. Precipitation amounts will be low, generally less than 0.10". Winds will be variable at 10 mph or less on Saturday but increase out of the SW 15-20 mph, gusting 25 to 30 mph on Sunday. Monday through Wednesday...Apart from a couple isolated rain or snow showers over the White Mountains before noon, things will be dry Monday and Tuesday. Another weather system approaches on Wednesday bringing a slight chance of rain and high elevation snow showers by Wednesday evening. Winds N 10-20 mph Monday, SW 10-15 mph on Tuesday and Wednesday. && .FGZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...None. && $$ PUBLIC...RR AVIATION...Bernhart FIRE WEATHER...Bernhart For Northern Arizona weather information visit weather.gov/flagstaff