Flurries Delight In Desert; Snow Possible In Carefree, Cave Creek On Tuesday
Chance of rain and snow are predicted Tuesday through the afternoon, after a storm buried northern Arizona in snow on Monday while sending flurries to the outskirts of Las Vegas and Phoenix.
In Phoenix, oval ice crystals known as graupel piled up on the ground on Monday afternoon creating the illusion of snow. But to residents accustomed to scorching temperatures, the distinction didn't matter much.
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“It looks like snow when they squint their eyes a little bit,” said weather service meteorologist James Sawtelle. “It looks like it might be snow sitting out in the yard from inside the kitchen.”
A strong afternoon thunderstorm with gusty winds toppled trees and power poles, Sawtelle said.
Higher elevation communities on the outskirts of both Phoenix and Las Vegas reported snow.
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One to 6 inches of snow is expected east into Gila County, with the highest amounts on mountain peaks. A dusting of snow is expected in the Carefree and Cave Creek area.
Snow is expected at higher elevations and is expected to remain above 2,500 feet on Tuesday.
Sean Benedict is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
“It seems like the showers will last generally through early afternoon and then as we head into the evening they should sort of start to taper off and by tonight the shower should come to an end, and heading into tomorrow will dry out.”
Wednesday is looking dry, but will be cold. Benedict says temperatures across the Phoenix-metro area are likely to get down to about freezing Wednesday morning.
