Every winter, the same question pops up in Maricopa: Could it ever snow here? 

Not in any meaningful or measurable way. 

Maricopa sits in the Sonoran Desert, where winter temperatures rarely drop low enough for snow to form. The coldest temperature recorded locally was 23 degrees Fahrenheit in 1919, but over the past decade, lows have averaged 36 degrees in January. Since snowfall generally requires temperatures at or below 32 degrees, Maricopa simply does not meet the conditions needed for snow. 

That does not mean winter weather can be ignored entirely. 

While snow is essentially off the table, cold nights can still pose problems for plants and pets used to warmer desert conditions. Many plants begin to struggle when temperatures fall below 45 degrees. Tropical plants are even more sensitive and can suffer damage below 60 degrees. Some plants can be moved indoors, but many are rooted in the ground and need protection. 

Annual plants are the exception. They are not meant to survive beyond their growing season, so there is no need to intervene.

For everything else, preparation makes a difference. 

If plants cannot be brought indoors, a few simple steps can help protect them during cold nights. It is best to test these methods ahead of time, so you know what works in your yard. 

• Cover plants with frost cloth, burlap, or old sheets or blankets to reduce cold exposure. Do not use plastic, which can damage leaves. 

• Water plants before a freeze or unusually cold night. Moist soil retains heat better and helps protect roots. 

• Add mulch around the base of plants to trap warmth near the soil. 

• Use old fashioned incandescent Christmas lights, not LED lights, around the base of plants to provide gentle heat. This works best when combined with the other methods, especially for newer plants. 

Even cacti are not immune to cold. Because they store water in their tissues, they can freeze when temperatures drop below 37 degrees. 

So, while snowmen and sledding are not part of Maricopa winters, cold weather care still matters. Take steps to protect your plants and pets, and if you are hoping to enjoy snow this winter, plan on traveling north to find it.