Arizona — A thin band of clouds drifts across the Phoenix skyline before dawn, dimming city lights and hinting at the first round of moisture building in the Valley. The air feels calm but unsettled, signaling a shift as the busiest Thanksgiving travel week begins.
According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, isolated showers could develop later today, mainly toward late afternoon and early evening. Residents planning early travel across the I-10, Loop 101, or US-60 corridors should watch for pockets of wet pavement after sunset. The greatest hazard arrives after 8 p.m., when a stronger disturbance could spark scattered thunderstorms. Small hail and brief downpours may slow traffic around the metro, especially near elevated sections of the freeway system.
Tuesday brings a higher chance of showers and a few thunderstorms. Winds increase slightly from the southwest during the afternoon, and models show steady moisture feeding into central Arizona. Travel delays are possible, particularly for flights at Sky Harbor where heavier showers could cause minor ground holds. Rainfall totals stay modest, but fast-changing cloud bases and gusty winds demand attention.
By Wednesday, another wave approaches with additional rain likely before noon. To be fair, storms look weaker than Tuesday’s, but any burst of lightning or quick rain could still disrupt commute windows. Temperatures settle into the low 60s, producing a cooler feel for the Valley and offering an early sign of a late-November pattern shift.
The holiday weekend trends drier. Thursday turns partly sunny and mild, ideal for road trips, hiking plans, or final Thanksgiving errands. Friday sees a small shower chance but most hours stay dry. Saturday and Sunday warm into the upper 60s under bright skies, perfect for outdoor gatherings or travel beyond the metro.
