Frost/Freeze — Greater Phoenix Area, Arizona

2015-01-01 · Greater Phoenix Area, Arizona

Event narrative

A deep and cold upper level low pressure system moved through Arizona over the New Year's holiday period and ushered in freezing temperatures to the central deserts on January 1st. According to the Deer Valley ASOS, the low temperature on the 1st was 31 degrees. Many locations across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, especially the colder outlying areas, experienced low temperatures dropping into the middle to upper 20s. The freezing temperatures produced widespread damage to sensitive vegetation such as decorative or ornamental plants.

Wider weather episode

A very cold upper level low pressure system moved across Arizona during the New Year's holiday period, and the associated cold front ushered in freezing temperatures to the central Arizona deserts. Starting on January 1st, and continuing for the next few days, widespread freezing or sub-freezing low temperatures occurred over the central deserts, including the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Freeze warning were issued for the lower deserts over a three day period ending January 3rd. The cold temperatures resulted in widespread damage to sensitive vegetation including decorative and ornamental plants.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 555367. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.