PHOENIX — Our next big winter storm is moving into Arizona on Wednesday!
Wednesday will be an ABC15 Weather Action Day as high winds, rain and snow impact outdoor activities and travel across our state.
For areas along the Mogollon Rim above 6,000 feet in elevation, like Flagstaff, we are tracking the potential of one to two feet of snow!
High winds will lead to blowing snow and low visibility across the high country. Adjust or cancel any travel plans because road conditions will become hazardous.
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for areas above 4,000 feet across most of northern and eastern Arizona on Wednesday. Winter Weather Advisories are also in effect for the higher terrain just north and east of the Valley.
The snow level will gradually drop to around 2,500 feet. That could put a few snow flurries down into places like Carefree, Cave Creek and far north Scottsdale Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
Wind Advisories are in effect for much of the state throughout the day on Wednesday as wind gusts peak near 50 mph.
Even the Phoenix metro area is under a Wind Advisory from 3 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Air quality will likely be impacted as blowing dust picks up before our rain arrives.
Valley rain showers will likely begin by mid-afternoon on Wednesday and we could see a few thunderstorms in the mix, too. We're expecting around a quarter of an inch to a half of an inch of rain in many Valley cities.
Our forecast will dry out in Phoenix 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 Sunday.
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2023 Rainfall totals:
Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 1.41" (-0.33" 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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