Winter storm could drop Tucson temperatures to freezing

A winter storm is moving through Tucson, with rain expected to continue throughout Wednesday and into Thursday with snowfall expected at higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service.

Snowfall expected on Mount Lemmon and in other areas of higher elevation.

Temperatures in the Tucson area are expected to dip as low as 32 degrees on Thursday night, according to NWS.

Overnight lows in the low 30s are expected through the weekend, with low temps rising to the high 30s starting on Monday night.

As of noon Wednesday, the Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness had not declared the launch of Operation Deep Freeze, which activates various shelters around Tucson. 

But the cold and rainy weather has prompted two social service organizations to announce they are planning to accommodate those attempting to find an indoor space.

The Gospel Rescue Mission, which has been operating Operation Rescue from the Cold for the past month, is offering daytime shelter from the rain. 

Beginning at 6 a.m. each morning, Operation Rescue from the Cold offers hot showers, hygiene items, laundry facilities, dry clothes, lunch and dinner, day beds and various services such as recovery programs.

“Cold rain is one of the most dangerous winter conditions for people without shelter,” said Lisa Chastain, CEO of Gospel Rescue Mission. “While the weather may be worsening, our doors remain wide open. Operation Rescue from the Cold is more than just an emergency response — it’s a daily invitation to receive life-transforming services and care.”

The Salvation Army announced that it would likely activate its emergency cold-weather shelter program, Warming Hearts & Souls, on Thursday. 

The organization typically launches the program when overnight temperatures drop to 35 degrees, or 40 degrees with rain.

Under the program, the Salvation Army Tucson Hospitality House hosts overnight shelter with warm meals, hot showers, clean clothing, and a safe place to sleep for individuals experiencing homelessness. 

Once the Warming Hearts & Souls program is open, those seeking shelter can check in between 3 and 5 p.m. at the Salvation Army Tucson Hospitality House, 1002 N. Main Ave.