NOAA Weather Tucson: Record-Breaking Cold Snap in January

Tucson, Arizona experienced a record-breaking cold snap in January, with several temperature-related records set throughout the month. According to data from the National Weather Service's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), the city saw an unprecedented number of days with lows 35° or colder.

The highlight of the month was the 11 consecutive days with lows 35° or colder, which is the most since December 2007 to January 1, 2008. Additionally, there were four straight days with lows 32° or colder, a feat not seen since January 2017. The period from the 24th to the 27th saw temperatures plummeting to as low as 27° on the 26th, breaking a record for the coldest temperature during that time of year.

The month's average temperature was 51.6°, two degrees below normal and ranking as the 60th warmest January on record. The last five days of the month saw highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s, reinforcing the cold air that had settled over the area.

Two winter storms impacted the region during the month, with the first bringing valley rain and mountain snow from January 15 to 17. The second storm was colder than the mid-month system, resulting in light snow and flurries at the valley floor on January 23 and early on the 24th.

The cold snap was particularly notable due to its duration, with daily low temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to lower 30s across the metro area from January 19 to 22. The passing of this system ushered in a much colder air mass that persisted throughout the remainder of the month.

In other weather-related news, Tucson saw above-normal temperatures until mid-month when an upper air pattern change brought a series of winter storms and cooler-than-normal temperatures. The new year began on a wet note, with light snow occurring at the valley floor on January 23 and early on the 24th. This marked the first time in over 70 years that precipitation was recorded on back-to-back New Year's Day.

The average low temperature for the last 14 days of the month was also the coldest for that period since 1955, further emphasizing the severity of the cold snap. Overall, January 2023 will be remembered as a record-breaking month in Tucson weather history.

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