Flagstaff’s March Weather Outlook: More Snow, Colder Temps, and a Late-Winter Comeback
As we close out February 2025, Flagstaff residents might be wondering—where was winter? After months of above-average temperatures and below-average snowfall, it felt like winter never really arrived. But don’t put your snow shovels away just yet.
Long-term NOAA forecasts are showing a major pattern shift for March, with colder-than-average temperatures and above-average precipitation. The breakdown of La Niña is playing a big role in this change, allowing more moisture to make its way into Northern Arizona. This could mean some of the most active winter weather of the season is still ahead.
What’s Changing in March?
After an unseasonably warm and dry start to 2025, the atmosphere is finally adjusting to a more traditional late-winter pattern. The most significant changes Flagstaff residents can expect include:
1. More Frequent Storms
So far this winter, storm systems have been weak, inconsistent, and mostly dry. That trend looks to be reversing, with multiple chances for precipitation starting as early as this weekend. The first potential accumulating snowfall is expected overnight Sunday into Monday morning (March 2-3), with another possible round of winter weather by midweek, around Wednesday night into Thursday (March 5-6).
2. Colder Temperatures on the Way
NOAA’s long-range models indicate that March could bring temperatures below seasonal averages. While this doesn’t mean an Arctic blast, it does mean that overnight lows will be colder, and daytime highs may struggle to warm up as much as they have in recent months. For reference, the average high in Flagstaff for early March is around 46°F, but we could see several days dipping into the upper 30s and low 40s instead.
3. Higher Snowfall Potential
While we’re not expecting massive blizzards at this point, the ingredients are coming together for more snow accumulation than we’ve seen all winter. The moisture-rich Pacific systems that have largely bypassed us this season now have a better chance of hitting Northern Arizona head-on.
Storms are likely to be colder and wetter, meaning snow levels could drop lower than usual. Places like Doney Park, Munds Park, and even parts of Sedona could see flakes at times, while higher elevations like Snowbowl and the San Francisco Peaks could finally start to build a more respectable snowpack.
What This Means for You
- Don’t store away your winter gear yet. If you packed up your snow boots and ski jackets early, you might want to dig them out again. March could still bring some significant winter weather.
- Be prepared for icy roads and potential travel delays. With colder overnight temps and more frequent storms, road conditions could be more hazardous than they have been all season.
- If you rely on snow removal, stay ready. Our team at Ponderosa Pathways is keeping a close eye on the forecast and will be prepared for any snow accumulation that requires plowing.
Final Thoughts: Winter’s Not Over Yet
February may have felt like spring at times, but March is looking to remind us that winter isn’t quite finished. If NOAA’s models hold, Flagstaff could be in for a much wetter and colder March than we’ve seen in recent years. While we may not see record-breaking snowfall, the pattern shift suggests more frequent winter storms and an extended season for winter weather.
Stay tuned for updates, and as always, we’ll be ready to keep your driveways and roads clear if the snow starts piling up. If you have any questions about our snow removal services or want to set up seasonal maintenance, reach out anytime.
📌 Want more details? Read our full breakdown on how La Niña’s shift is impacting Flagstaff’s weather here: La Niña 2025 & Flagstaff’s Winter Forecast.
