Chilling Forecast for Tucson: Freeze Warning Issued for Friday and Saturday

Temperatures across much of Southern Arizona are expected to hover near freezing this weekend, according to predictions by the National Weather Service (NWS). A freeze warning is in effect overnight on Friday and Saturday, raising concerns for residents.

The region may experience a hard freeze with temperatures dipping to around 26 degrees. Many areas are likely to remain at or below the freezing mark of 32 degrees. This warning extends to the Tucson metro area, the Tohono O’odham Nation, and significant parts of Pima County, while Cochise County and the Safford area will not be affected.

NWS forecasters explained that freeze warnings for lower elevations are typically not reissued unless a substantial time—about 30 days—has passed since the last widespread freeze. An exception occurs when a hard freeze is anticipated, with lows at or below 28 degrees.

Despite morning low temperatures being a bit warmer than initially predicted, the Tucson International Airport has not recorded a freeze this season. The last significant freeze there was on January 12, 2024, making this winter atypical for the area. “Freezes have been hit and miss in the lower elevations this season,” noted the NWS, justifying the renewed freeze warning for Tucson.

Looking ahead, NWS expects dry and cool weather to persist in the coming days. Low temperatures will likely remain at or below freezing through Monday morning across much of Southeast Arizona, but a gradual warming trend is expected to begin early next week.

Residents are urged to take precautions to safeguard sensitive plants against the cold. The NWS recommends that outdoor pipes be wrapped, drained, or set to drip slowly to prevent freezing and potential damage. Homeowners with in-ground sprinkler systems should also drain them and cover exposed pipes to avoid freeze-related issues.