PHOENIX, Ariz. – A calm, cloudy Friday morning settles across the Valley as desert air holds a mild chill, signaling a brief pattern shift before the weekend. Overcast skies hang low, and a faint breeze out of the southeast ripples palm fronds from Tempe to Glendale — a subtle reminder that change is on the horizon.
According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, clouds will thicken through Saturday with a 30–40% chance of light showers developing after midday. A few isolated rumbles of thunder can’t be ruled out in the late afternoon, though rainfall totals are expected to stay below a quarter inch. Any showers that do form should move out quickly by early Sunday as skies clear.
Saturday’s highs will hover near 71°F before sunshine returns Sunday, warming Phoenix back into the mid-70s. Winds will stay light, creating ideal conditions for early Thanksgiving travel and weekend outdoor plans. Cooler desert nights will dip into the 40s through early next week.
Beyond the weekend, a stable, sunny stretch will dominate heading into Thanksgiving Day — dry air, blue skies, and highs near 74°F. Meanwhile, much of the central and northern U.S. braces for a stronger cold system between November 25 and December 3, where forecasters expect potential 3 to 8 inches of snow from the Plains to the Northeast. Arizona’s role in that pattern looks mild, though temperatures could ease slightly by late next week.
For now, Phoenicians can expect a brief sprinkle or two Saturday, followed by perfect late-fall weather ideal for travel, hiking, or early holiday decorating.
Five-Day Forecast for Phoenix, AZ:
Fri: 68/55 – Mostly cloudy; light east breeze.
Sat: 71/55 – Chance of showers; isolated thunder possible.
Sun: 75/50 – Mostly sunny, pleasant.
Mon: 67/49 – Sunny, crisp morning.
Tue: 74/50 – Clear skies; warming trend continues.
