Arizona weather forecast: Storms bringing rain, snow to the state

PHOENIX – We’re tracking two storms heading toward Arizona.

Tuesday:

Today, we remain dry and partly to mostly cloudy with mild temperatures. The forecast high reaches around 70 degrees in Phoenix with highs in the 40s and 50s in northern Arizona.

More storms on the way

Big Changes Later This Week:

The first of two storms will track across our state on Wednesday. The first low pressure system will move over southern Arizona as it slides up from the southwest. It will bring rain showers, slightly cooler conditions, and a few snow showers for eastern Arizona. The precipitation will be mostly light to steady. The chance for rain in Phoenix sits at 60%, especially by the late afternoon and into the evening.

While the first system will exit by Thursday morning, a second system quickly replaces it! The second system will move in from the northwest. It passes over northern Arizona with windy conditions and colder air. This storm brings better snow chances to northern Arizona and additional rain chances to Phoenix and the lower desert locations. The second storm should pass out of Arizona by Friday morning, allowing for the state to begin drying out on Friday.

Rain totals around 0.25″ to 0.50″ are forecast between Wednesday and Friday in Phoenix and surrounding areas. Snow totals are forecast to range around 2-5″ in Flagstaff, 6-12″ for Arizona Snowbowl and 8-12″ around Sunrise Ski, and 3-6″ for Pinetop-Lakeside. Winds will increase across the state Thursday and last through Friday for breezy to windy conditions.

Forecast highs slip to the low to middle 60s on Wednesday and Thursday in Phoenix. By the weekend, morning lows may be in the low 30s to near 40 degrees.

You can always check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android.

Scroll down this page for satellite and radar, day planner, records, current temperatures, 10-day forecast, forecast highs, and recent rainfall totals, plus live video feeds.

Leave prepared before heading north

After recent snowfall in the high country, the Arizona Department of Transportation is reminding drivers who are heading north to never park along highways to play in the snow. 

Use the highway shoulders for emergencies only. Parking on them to play in the snow is hazardous in the following ways:

• Other drivers may be distracted by your vehicle.
• Other drivers may pull over as well to play in the snow, compounding the problem.
• Your vehicle may interfere with first responders who need to use the shoulder.
• Plows can throw snow and ice far off highways.
• It’s much safer to re-enter highways from on-ramps and other designated entrances

“Also, it’s not uncommon for lots of desert dwellers to take the opportunity to head north to play in the snow. So, remember to pack your patience and expect to spend extended time in your vehicle getting to and from snow play areas.”

ADOT’s suggestions for items to take along:

• Warm clothing and blankets
• A fully charged mobile phone and charger
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Drinking water
• Healthy snacks
• First-aid kit and necessary medications
• Ice scraper
• Small bag of sand or kitty litter for wheel traction
• Small folding shovel for snow removal
• Travel tool kit and battery cables
• Safety flares
• Plastic bags or containers for sanitation
• Road map(s)

ADOT says you and your vehicle must be prepared for driving in wintry conditions, including snow, ice and freezing temperatures.

• Get plenty of rest
• Plan your route in advance and notify someone about your route, destination and arrival time
• Take frequent breaks from driving
• Make sure your fuel tank is at least half to three-quarters full at all times
• Use snow tires, chains or studded tires as recommended or required. Studded tires are permitted on Arizona highways from Oct. 1 to May 1.
• Ensure your wipers, window defroster, headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals work
• Change your motor oil to a winter grade
• For electric or hybrid vehicles, be sure the battery has sufficient voltage and the connection cables are tight

Get more safety tips at 

For Flagstaff area snow-play locations, see FlagstaffArizona.org’s Winter Recreation Map or call 844-256-SNOW.

Rain/flood safety tips

The American Red Cross’ tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety:

• Turn around don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
• Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
• If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
• Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
• If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
• If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.

Road Conditions

• Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)
• az511.com

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