PHOENIX — It's a gorgeous start to the week in the Valley!
Skies are clear, winds are light and temperatures are mild.
Breezes will pick up on Tuesday afternoon as Valley highs climb into the mid 60s.
Then, get ready! Another major winter storm will be moving in.
Wednesday will be an ABC15 Weather Action Day as a big blast of rain, wind and snow impacts outdoor activities and travel across our state.
Snow showers will begin in northern Arizona for areas above 4,500 feet in elevation on Tuesday.
Then, snowfall will increase significantly late Tuesday night and Wednesday as the snow level drops all the way down to 3,000 feet.
Areas along the Mogollon Rim above 6,000 feet in elevation, like Flagstaff, Heber, and Show Low could pick up over a foot of snow!
Winds will pick up too, leading to blowing snow and low visibility across the high country on Wednesday. Adjust any travel plans you have across the high country on Wednesday because road conditions will become hazardous.
Winter Storm Watches are in effect across most of northern and eastern Arizona, as well as for the higher terrain just northeast of the Valley. These watches will likely be upgraded to warnings as we get closer.
Here in the Valley, it could be a wet afternoon and evening commute on Wednesday as rain showers move in . We may see a few thunderstorms in the mix, too.
Valley rainfall estimates are anywhere from two-tenths of an inch to four-tenths of an inch.
Our Valley forecast will dry out on Thursday, but we may see some lingering snow showers along the Mogollon Rim until Thursday afternoon.
As we dry out, temperatures will warm up heading into the weekend.
Expect highs back in the 70s across the Phoenix metro area by Saturday and Sunday.
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2023 Rainfall totals:
Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 1.41" (-0.29" from average)
Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 1.89"
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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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