Spring Freeze Probability

Here are some snapshots of the growing season start from three locations in Northern Arizona with different altitudes.

Location        Elevation   June 1st Freeze     July 1st Freeze      Saturday's High
                   ft       (32F)Probability    (32F)Probability     Temperature (F)
Williams, AZ      6750           40%                <10%                   69
Flagstaff, AZ     7000           80%                <10%                   67
Fort Valley, AZ   7350          >90%                 35%                   65

Keep in mind that there are other factors that play into local climates. Small valleys may see shorter days or temperature inversions. Direction of local winds can cause different heating and cooling trends. Treed areas versus open, grassy areas. These are all local considerations. Bellemont, for instance, is subject to a particular cooling flow off the San Francisco Peaks that keeps it cooler there. Saturday’s high temperatures would seem to reinforce the altitude difference for the 3 sites.

So, as you plant this spring, consider what effects you are seeing for your area. There are several amateur weather stations scattered across the Flagstaff area. You can find them at Weather Underground. This link takes you to their Wundermap for the Flagstaff Area. You can look to see how a nearby temperature compares to the Flagstaff Airport and get a feel for how you location compares. Also, you could get a good quality thermometer and compare it to the Airport.