Arizona — A broad shield of clouds hangs over the Valley before sunrise, turning the desert sky a soft steel-gray while the pavement glistens with leftover moisture. The air feels humid and warm—an early sign that today may bring more active weather as Thanksgiving travel begins across central Arizona.
Residents should prepare for changing conditions beginning late this morning. A strengthening disturbance pushes moisture northward, and models hint at a Winter Tease–style pattern shift, even without true winter temperatures. Showers develop during the day, and a few storms could pulse stronger by late afternoon. Travelers using I-10, Loop 202, or US-60 should expect slower pockets and occasional ponding, especially during the evening commute.
Rain becomes more frequent tonight. A 70% chance of showers continues after midnight with a warm low near 59. While the Valley stays far from freezing, the rapid warm-to-cool shifts help spark brief rumbling thunderstorms. Any stronger downpour could reduce visibility quickly and affect early holiday travelers heading east toward Casa Grande or west toward Buckeye.
Wednesday keeps the pattern active. A high near 64 pairs with likely showers, and models maintain another round of storms Wednesday evening. Though rainfall amounts remain under a quarter inch for most areas, heavier cells may briefly exceed that in thunderstorms. Roads could turn slick during the busiest outbound travel push of the week.
Conditions finally ease Thursday. A 30% chance of morning showers gives way to clearing skies, calmer winds, and a high near 63—ideal for travelers heading to Sky Harbor or starting early Thanksgiving plans.
Friday and Saturday trend partly sunny and warmer, hovering in the upper 60s to around 70. Outdoor events, errands, and early holiday decorating should go smoothly before another pattern shift approaches late weekend.
