The Reason Why Arizona's Winter Could Be Strange This Year

Once again, Arizona experienced record-breaking temperatures as the state baked in 100-degree-plus temperatures over the summer. After weeks of sweltering convection, it's hard to imagine a cool, temperate winter.

The real question is, will Arizona see an extreme winter to match the mind-bending heat we felt all summer long?

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What Will Winter Be Like in Arizona?

Winter may be showing up a little earlier than usual this year. The first snow has already fallen on Snowbowl near Flagstaff. But unless you're living in the northern part of the state, the odds of having a cooler winter are pretty slim just about anywhere else in Arizona.

READ: Is Global Warming Responsible for Arizona's Searing Fall Heatwave

Temperatures will be lower across the state, but not "winter in Arizona" cool compared to the weeks-long 100-degree-plus temperatures the state experienced, especially in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

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According to the latest climate projections, winter in Arizona is expected to be warmer and drier than average. Once again, El Niño and La Niña are heavily influencing the weather.

The Impact of La Niña in Arizona

This year, the impact of these weather patterns is obvious in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, but Arizona is also feeling the effects. Weather patterns association with La Niña are expected to influence the winter weather in Arizona, too.

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According to Wikipedia, La Niña is "an oceanic and atmospheric phenomenon that is the colder counterpart of El Niño, as part of the broader El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate pattern."

READ: El Niño, Climate Change, & Crazy Weather!

Essentially, this weather phenomenon causes cooler sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean, affecting weather patterns across North America.

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One of the likely effects is reduced precipitation, which will increase the risk of drought and wildfires across the Southwest. Average winter temperatures in the Sonoran desert could be about 3.1° above normal.

The Chance for Winter Rains in Arizona

Winter rains are typical in Arizona, but with La Niña, the odds of a wet winter are lower than usual. Scientists predict precipitation to be about 1 to 1.5 inches below normal.

If you prefer a mild winter, this winter might suit you just fine. But if you're ready to hunker down with a cup of hot cocoa and a warm sweater, you might want to consider visiting the Northeast, where climate scientists predict an early and chilly winter.

Sources: Wikipedia | AZ Family | NBC News | The Weather Channel

Escape to a Winter Wonderland at Arizona's Snowiest Locations

Even though desert landscapes surround us, there are many places where we can enjoy a winter wonderland getaway.

Gallery Credit: Tim Gray

LOOK: The most extreme temperatures in the history of every state

Stacker consulted 2021 data from the NOAA's State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC) to illustrate the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in each state. Each slide also reveals the all-time highest 24-hour precipitation record and all-time highest 24-hour snowfall.

Keep reading to find out individual state records in alphabetical order.

Gallery Credit: Anuradha Varanasi

25 costliest hurricanes of all time

Although the full extent of damage caused by Hurricane Ian in the Southwest is still being realized, Ian is already being called one of the costliest storms to ever hit the U.S. Stacker took a look at NOAA data to extrapolate the costliest U.S. hurricanes of all time.