Phoenix, Arizona – After a mild start to the new year, a noticeable pattern shift is set to arrive across Arizona by midweek, bringing cooler temperatures, increasing rain chances, and even high-elevation snow. The change could impact travel, outdoor plans, and overnight temperatures heading into the end of the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, two separate weather systems will move through the region beginning Wednesday afternoon. The first system will bring light rain showers from west to east across south-central and southeast Arizona Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night. Rainfall totals are expected to remain light, generally around a quarter inch or less, but wet roads could affect the evening commute in the Phoenix metro.
A second, colder system follows closely behind late Thursday into early Friday. This system is expected to focus more showers over the higher terrain of Arizona while ushering in significantly cooler air. Snow levels are forecast to drop to around 5,000 to 6,000 feet, allowing snow to develop in mountain communities and along higher-elevation highways.
Highs in the Valley will fall from recent mild readings into the 50s and 60s, with overnight lows dipping into the 30s and 40s by Friday morning. Residents should prepare for cooler mornings, wet roadways, and possible travel impacts in the high country. Additional updates may be issued as the systems move closer.
