Flagstaff, AZ – Flagstaff and northern Arizona are bracing for a windy start to the week as high winds and warm temperatures return on Monday.
These conditions are expected to create challenging driving situations, especially for high-profile vehicles traveling on Interstate 40 and Interstate 17, where crosswinds could be particularly dangerous.
In addition to the wind, fire weather concerns are elevated, and travelers are urged to exercise caution on the road.
Weather Conditions for Monday
- Winds: South-southwest winds will begin early Monday morning, increasing to 12-15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph in the afternoon.
- Temperatures: Expect temperatures to peak near 88°F, with warm conditions continuing into the evening.
- Fire Risk: The combination of wind and dry conditions will raise fire danger, particularly in the higher elevations around Flagstaff.
Key Travel Considerations
- High Winds: The gusty winds will make travel on I-40 and I-17 particularly difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles like trucks and RVs. Drivers should remain vigilant and be prepared for sudden gusts that could affect vehicle control.
- Blowing Dust: Dust and debris could reduce visibility on open stretches of highway, requiring extra caution and time to react to sudden changes in road conditions.
- Fire Weather: With winds and dry heat, fire danger remains high across northern Arizona. Avoid outdoor burning and take precautions with any potential ignition sources.
Extended Weather Outlook
The windy conditions will persist throughout the week, continuing to pose challenges for travelers and residents alike:
- Tuesday: Winds will remain strong, with gusts of up to 29 mph. The high will be near 85°F.
- Wednesday: Expect mostly sunny skies with winds gusting up to 16 mph and temperatures around 89°F.
- Juneteenth (Thursday): Another windy day with gusts reaching up to 28 mph and a high near 88°F.
Five-Day Outlook for Flagstaff
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 89°F, west wind becoming southwest at 11-16 mph in the morning, with gusts up to 26 mph.
- Monday: Mostly clear, high near 88°F, southwest winds 13-18 mph, gusting to 30 mph.
- Tuesday: Mostly clear, high near 85°F, southwest winds 13-18 mph, gusting to 29 mph.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 89°F, northwest winds around 10 mph, switching to southwest in the afternoon, gusting to 16 mph.
- Juneteenth (Thursday): Mostly clear, high near 88°F, southwest winds 8-17 mph, gusting to 28 mph.
Safety Tips for High Wind Conditions
- Secure Loose Items: Before the winds arrive, ensure that patio furniture, trash cans, and other outdoor items are secured to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
- Travel Smart: Allow for extra travel time and stay updated on conditions as winds could affect visibility and road conditions, especially on highways.
- Fire Prevention: Avoid starting fires outdoors, and be cautious with any potential sources of sparks, including vehicles and equipment.
Flagstaff and the surrounding areas are preparing for another stretch of windy and hot weather, with conditions that could impact both safety and travel.
With high fire danger and challenging winds, residents and travelers should remain cautious and stay informed of any updates to the weather alerts.
