Frost/Freeze — Greater Phoenix Area, Arizona

2015-01-01 to 2015-01-02 · 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; the freezing temperatures continued on January 2nd. According to the Scottsdale and Deer Valley ASOS stations, the low temperatures on the 2nd were about 30 degrees. The ASOS at Phoenix Sky Harbor reported a low of just 31 degrees. Many locations across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, especially the colder outlying areas, experienced low temperatures dropping into the 20s. The freezing temperatures produced widespread damage to sensitive vegetation such as decorative or ornamental plants. A Freeze Warning was issued for the greater Phoenix area during the morning hours on the 2nd.

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 555368. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.