Christmas storm bringing rain to AZ

PHOENIX — With potential impacts to holiday travel and outdoor events, Thursday is an ABC15 Weather Action Day. Take action and adjust your plans as needed to stay safe in the storm.

As Santa makes his way into town and into Christmas morning, isolated showers will impact the Valley. However, the latest model data is not as intense as previously shown.

Some Valley neighborhoods could pick up to a quarter inch, with higher totals possible across parts of northwestern Arizona.

A Flood Watch is in effect for Mohave County this morning through Thursday morning, where excessive runoff could lead to flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Winds stay elevated in the high country with gusts up to 30 mph.

Across northwestern Arizona, winds could gust as high as 50 mph, and a Wind Advisory is in effect for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Mohave County.

Snow levels with this storm system will remain high at 9,000 to 10,000 feet, so Flagstaff will likely only see rain.

There are some lingering chances for precipitation up there into the weekend, and by then, we could see some snowflakes come down as colder air settles in.

Here in the Valley, daytime highs will fall into the low 70s by Friday before dropping into the upper 60s over the weekend.

Overnight temperatures will get colder too, with lows falling into the 40s in Phoenix by Sunday morning.

Air quality remains a concern, especially overnight and during the early morning hours when particle pollution tends to spike.

A No Burn Day is in effect for Maricopa County on Thursday, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has also issued a High Pollution Advisory. With more holiday burning expected, particle pollution levels could climb even higher. That means burning wood in fireplaces, stoves, or outdoor fire pits is not allowed. The use of leaf blowers and off-road vehicles is also discouraged.

Air quality will be at its worst late at night and early in the morning. If you have asthma, bronchitis, COPD, or other respiratory conditions, it’s best to limit outdoor activity during those times.

2025 Sky Harbor Official Rainfall to date: 8.28″ (+1.24″ from average)

Monsoon 2025 Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 2.76″ (+0.33″ from average)

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Daily rainfall reports from all across the Valley can be found here.
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PHOENIX IS GETTING DRIER – LOWER RAINFALL AVERAGES NOW

Average Monsoon Rainfall in Phoenix (1981-2010): 2.71″ of rain

NEW Average Monsoon Rainfall in Phoenix (1991-2020): 2.43″ of rain

Average Yearly Rainfall in Phoenix (1981-2010): 8:03″ of rain

NEW Average Yearly Rainfall in Phoenix (1991-2020): 7.22″ of rain
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See the full 7-Day forecast

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