Arizona Daily Snow

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By Lee Born, Meteorologist Posted 1 year ago February 1, 2023

What a January, Glance into Feb

Summary

It has been a January to remember with historic snowfall for Arizona. I don't have exact deets but roughly 100" of snow on the month in the mountains. Bullet proof base depths reported on this final day of January are 86" Snowbowl and 82" Sunrise, about 150% of normal for the date. While the hyperactive Pacific jetstream of the past month is a done deal, I feel February could hold some delights.

Short Term Forecast

Getting right to the point, dry and mostly quiet weather is forecast for the 5 day period. Northeasterly breezes keep it cool Wed-Thu, turning more westerly and warm Friday into the weekend. Sunday 2/5 winds pick up through the day as the first of several storms possibly take aim at the region. Sunday night into Monday looking at a mostly dry cold front with an inch or so possible. An active setup may follow...

Extended Forecast

La Nina weakened a bit during January, which a case could be made, that this allowed for the polar jetstream to do what it did over the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Basin has re-cooled over the past week, a strengthening of La Nina. This is translating into a strengthening of the eastern Pacific ridge. The GFS model is advertising several "inside track" storms over the top of the ridge, down the spine of Sierras, then signaling for cutoff low pressure systems to setup across the Southwest in the 6-15 days out forecast. The EURO is not on this idea, keeping us high and dry.

Enjoy the January goods for now, time will tell how February shakes out.

About Our Forecaster

Lee Born

Meteorologist

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