Lee Born

Staff Meteorologist

Lee’s career in weather began while he was in the Navy, working as a weather observer aboard a U.S. Naval ship. He has a B.S. in Meteorology from San Jose State University. Over the years Lee has worked in a broad range of weather fields including climatology, aviation meteorology and, most recently, as a broadcast meteorologist. From 2001-2008, Lee was Chief Meteorologist at KNAZ, Flagstaff’s NBC affiliate, and he worked as a reporter and weather anchor for KPNX, in Phoenix. Lee has also made several appearances on The Weather Channel during some of Flagstaff’s biggest snowstorms. He collaborated with KNAU for many years before coming on in 2013 as the station’s in-house meteorologist. Lee is also Chief Meteorologist and student advisor for NAZ Today, Northern Arizona University’s TV news station.

Ways to Connect

Museum Fire Smoke Impacts

By Lee Born • Jul 22, 2019

The Museum Fire burning near Flagstaff is pumping large amounts of smoke into the atmosphere. Efficient summertime ventilation has kept health impacts to a minimum thus far as the plumes are dispersing as they travel north and east of the fire. So far, there have been no health advisories issued by Arizona Department of Air Quality (ADEQ) or the National Weather Service. This can change with the varying conditions and those with sensitivities to smoke are encouraged to stay alert and informed. Monday night, light northerly winds are forecast to bring smoke into Flagstaff communities.

Much Needed Rain Expected this Week

By Lee Born • Jul 22, 2019

It has been one of the slowest and driest starts to the Arizona rain season, know as the Monsoon. In a more typical year the region would have already have experienced significant moisture. This year has been different, with not one location receiving over a half inch of rain as of Monday, July 22nd. This has lead to tinder dry conditions and a late fire season.

The Monsoon Picking Up Steam

By Lee Born • Jul 11, 2019

The season within a season, the "Southwest monsoon" is beginning to establish itself across the region. The word "monsoon" is defined as any seasnonal shift in the wind. Over the coming days high pressure centered over the four corners region will gradually transport moisture into Arizona from south.

The moisture source is the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California. You probably have noticed the increase in our mugginess the past couple days as humidity levels are on the rise.

El Niño May Delay Onset of the Monsoon

By Lee Born • Jun 17, 2019

Monsoon season officially began June 15th. The word "monsoon" is derived from the Arabic word "mausim" which means season . During the summer months, winds shift from our predominant westerly direction to a southerly direction. This allows moisture from the Gulf of California and the Gulf of Mexico to stream into the region. This year El Niño (warmer than average tropical Pacific Ocean water) is still present and predicted to continue through summer.

Major Winter Storm

By Lee Born • Feb 20, 2019

A major winter storm will bring severe impacts from heavy snow from late tonight through Friday afternoon. The heaviest snow is forecast Thursday morning through Friday morning. This will be the greatest snow seen at low elevations in many years.

Winter Storm Warnings are effect through Friday for the entire region.