Snowfall In Phoenix Is Rare But Happens

Yes. It Does Snow In Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona, is known for its scorching heat and desert landscapes, but every once in a while, the unexpected happens—snowfall. While this occurrence is extremely rare due to the city’s arid climate and low elevation, a few instances of snow have been recorded over the years. Between 1990 and 2023, five notable snowfalls in the Phoenix metropolitan area have left lasting impressions, even though the city is far more accustomed to dealing with extreme heat rather than icy conditions. Here, we’ll look at these five events, detailing the snow accumulation, road closures, and property damage caused by the unusual weather.

1. December 21, 1990: The Record-Breaker

The most significant snowfall in Phoenix’s history took place on December 21, 1990. This event brought the city to a virtual standstill as residents awoke to a white Christmas season. Snow accumulation in some parts of the Phoenix metro area reached 0.4 inches, which may seem modest by colder regions’ standards but was a major event for the desert city. This was the first measurable snowfall in Phoenix in over 50 years.

• Road Closures: The snow caused significant disruption to traffic. Major roads like Interstate 17 and parts of U.S. Route 60 saw slowdowns due to unfamiliarity with driving in snow, but full closures were not widespread.
• Property Damage: Property damage was minimal, but the weight of even light snow on cacti and other desert vegetation led to a few fallen plants and broken limbs. Due to the city’s lack of snow removal equipment, the snow lingered for a short period, but there were no major damages
  
  

2. January 22, 2007: Surprise Snowstorm

In January 2007, residents in northern parts of the Phoenix metro area, including Scottsdale and Cave Creek, were treated to a surprise snowstorm. Around 0.5 inches of snow fell in the higher elevations of the Valley, while Phoenix proper saw a light dusting.

• Road Closures: While Phoenix experienced no major road closures, the snow and icy conditions led to multiple car accidents on State Route 51 and the Loop 101. Law enforcement urged residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
• Property Damage: No significant property damage was reported, but several car accidents occurred due to the slippery conditions. Phoenix’s lack of preparation for icy roads meant drivers had to be particularly cautious.
  
  

3. February 20, 2013: A Dusting in the Desert

Another rare event occurred in February 2013 when parts of the Phoenix metro area experienced snow mixed with rain. Areas like Fountain Hills, Carefree, and northern Scottsdale saw up to 1 inch of snow. This was an unusual event, as the snow quickly melted once it hit the ground, making the experience fleeting but memorable.

• Road Closures: There were no significant road closures, but the combination of snow and rain made for slick roads. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) advised drivers to be cautious, especially in higher elevation areas like Cave Creek and Carefree.
• Property Damage: No serious property damage was reported, although a few reports of broken tree limbs were noted. The snow melted quickly, minimizing any potential for long-lasting harm.
  
  

4. December 31, 2014: A Chilly New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve in 2014 brought more than just celebrations; it brought snowfall to parts of Phoenix and its surrounding areas. Light snow fell across the northern outskirts of the Valley, particularly in Cave Creek and Anthem, accumulating up to 0.4 inches in some areas.

• Road Closures: Again, road closures were minimal, but icy conditions on the Loop 303 and Interstate 17 led to several accidents. ADOT deployed additional safety measures, urging caution.
• Property Damage: Property damage was negligible, though a few incidents of fender benders due to slick roads were reported. The quick return of sunny weather helped the snow melt away before it could cause more significant issues.
  
  

5. February 22, 2019: Snow in the Suburbs

The winter of 2019 brought another rare snow event to the Phoenix metro area. On February 22, areas like Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and even parts of Mesa reported light snowfall, with some locations recording up to 1 inch. This was one of the more significant snow events in recent history, leading to a brief moment of winter wonder in the desert.

• Road Closures: While there were no widespread road closures, snow and ice caused delays on several major roads, including the Loop 101 and sections of State Route 87. Several minor accidents were reported due to the slick conditions.
• Property Damage: There was minimal property damage, although desert plants like cacti and agave suffered under the weight of the wet snow. A few reports of collapsed trees and limbs were noted, but no major structural damage occurred.
  
  

Snowfall and Its Impact on Phoenix

While these snow events are infrequent, each has left an indelible mark on the Phoenix area, not just because of the novelty but due to the challenges posed by a city unaccustomed to winter weather. The light snowfalls might be inconsequential in more snow-prone areas, but in a place like Phoenix, they can cause disruptions. Road conditions tend to deteriorate quickly, and drivers who rarely encounter icy conditions often struggle to adapt, resulting in traffic accidents. Property damage has been minimal in most cases, though desert plants are particularly vulnerable to the unusual cold and moisture.

Our Take

From 1990 to 2023, Phoenix has experienced at least five notable snow events, each one a surprise to residents and a reminder of nature’s unpredictability. While the snow rarely causes widespread damage or road closures, the novelty of seeing snow in the desert ensures these events are fondly remembered. As climate patterns continue to shift, it will be interesting to see if Phoenix experiences more of these rare snowfalls in the future, providing a temporary winter wonderland in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.