Cold call: Freeze warning issued in metro Phoenix for Tuesday morning

PHOENIX — If you think it was chilly Monday morning, just wait a day.

Tuesday is expected to be the Valley’s “coldest morning that we’ve seen so far this winter,” Sean Benedict, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, told KTAR News 92.3 FM early Monday.

The weather bureau issued a freeze warning in metro Phoenix for Tuesday from midnight until 9 a.m., with overnight lows expected to dip into the low 30s in some areas.

“We’re looking at, specifically at Phoenix Sky Harbor, a low around 35 degrees, with a lot of the outlying areas in the Phoenix area dropping down to 30-33 degrees,” Benedict said.

Some light snow through this evening – mostly in foothill & mountains, but even a few flurries close to valley communities. Otherwise, widespread freezing morning temperatures the next couple days. #azwx pic.twitter.com/q5phBOyiIH

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) January 23, 2023

While overnight temperatures are in the freezing range, experts suggest covering exposed water pipes, bringing sensitive plants inside or putting blankets over them, and keeping pets indoors. It’s also a good time to check on the well-being of elderly relatives, friends and neighbors.

The temperature in Phoenix bottomed out Monday morning at 38. The forecast high was 51, more than 15 degrees below normal.

In a National Weather Service forecast video, meteorologist Jared Heil said some parts of the Valley could see “a few wet snowflakes” on Monday.

“This is not going to be impactful winter weather, but anytime you see even the potential for snowflakes on the desert floor, it is something that is worth talking about,” Heil said.

Benedict said a low pressure system has been sitting over the state, keeping temperatures down.

VIDEO FORECAST: Active weather with strong low pressure passing through the area today. Wind advisories for parts of California and Southwest Arizona, snow showers east of Phoenix, and a freeze warning now for the city of Phoenix.#AZwx #CAwx pic.twitter.com/z3odBnZfNT

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) January 23, 2023

“We have a chilly morning here, but it will be even colder tomorrow morning as the low starts to move away,” Benedict said Monday.

The highs are expected to reach the 60s by midweek, but the mornings will feel almost like real winter.

“We’re going to continue to see 30-degree lows basically through the entire week,” Benedict said.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.

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