PHOENIX — Get ready the first storm system moves into Arizona tonight and the second storm system isn't far behind. Take action now to adjust your plans and prepare for all the rain and snow coming our way.
Thick cloud cover blankets the Valley and we could see some sprinkles by 7 pm but the heaviest rain should hold off until after midnight.
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday will be ABC15 Weather Action Days as we track significant impacts on outdoor events and road travel across Arizona through the MLK Day weekend.
The first storm moves in from the west late tonight bringing high winds, rain, snow and a big dose of cool air.
Right now, it looks like our best chances for rain in the Valley will be in the overnight hours heading into early Sunday morning.
We could see up to a tenth of an inch to a quarter of an inch of rain with this first storm.
Up north, snow levels will drop to 5,500 feet and gusts near 40 mph could lead to blowing snow and low visibility.
Flagstaff, and other areas above 6,500 feet in elevation, could see eight to twelve inches of snow.
Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories have been posted across the high country. Travel will become hazardous late tonight and will continue to be an issue into early Tuesday morning across the high country as the next storm moves in.
That second storm will impact Arizona on Monday and Tuesday bringing more rain and snow to our state.
Light rain showers are possible throughout the day on Monday with chances for thunderstorms and heavier rain overnight into Tuesday morning.
Right now, estimates show that some Valley locations could get half of an inch to an inch of rain on Monday and Tuesday with an additional eight to twelve inches of snow in Flagstaff.
Winds will be stronger too, especially on Sunday and Tuesday. Gusts in the Valley could be around 25mph and up to 50mph in northern Arizona. A Wind Advisory is in effect Sunday for southeastern Arizona where gusts could reach 45mph.
A few spotty rain and snow showers are still possible on Wednesday and then we'll finally dry things out again toward the end of next week.
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2023 Rainfall totals:
Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 0.54" (+0.15" from average)
Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 0.66"
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2022 Rainfall totals:
Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 5.78" (-1.44" from average)
Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 7.02"
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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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