PHOENIX — Back-to-back winter storms are on the way!
We're tracking Valley rain, high country snow, gusty winds and a big cool-down this week across Arizona.
This will impact travel and outdoor activities, including the Phoenix Open. So, we are headed into a string of ABC15 Weather Action Days Tuesday through Friday.
Take action to get ready for a stormy week and make sure your vehicle is prepared for winter driving conditions in the high country.
The first storm will move in Tuesday and Wednesday and scattered showers will still be possible behind it on Thursday. Then, another storm will move in on Friday.
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday night for areas above 6,000 feet in elevation in Yavapai County, along the Mogollon Rim and in the White Mountains.
Snow levels will drop to around 6,500 feet by Tuesday night before falling to around 5,000 feet on Wednesday night.
Places like Flagstaff, Williams and Forest Lakes could end up with nearly a foot of snow from this first storm and another foot Thursday through Saturday.
Roads conditions will deteriorate rapidly across the high country once the snow begins to fall on Tuesday. Watch out for slick, snow-covered roads and areas of blowing snow and low visibility.
Wind gusts could reach 50 mph in parts of northeastern and southeastern Arizona, where Wind Advisories will be in effect on Tuesday.
Valley gusts will peak near 35 mph Tuesday afternoon and it will remain breezy at times on Wednesday and Thursday.
By Tuesday evening, widespread rain is expected across the Phoenix metro area. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will remain in the forecast for the rest of the week, too.
Throughout the week, we could pick up a half an inch to an inch and a half of rain across our Valley neighborhoods.
That will likely lead to longer than normal commutes, ponding water on the roads and even areas of flooding.
Flood Watches are in effect Tuesday and Wednesday for parts of central and western Arizona, including the Valley. Do not attempt to drive through flooded washes or roadways. "Turn Around, Don't Drown".
If you're headed to any Phoenix Open events, be prepared for rain and thunderstorms which may cause delays or require you to seek shelter.
It's also getting much cooler as these storms move in. Look for Valley highs in the upper 60s on Tuesday and upper 50s to low 60s for the rest of the week.
Early morning lows will be in the 40s Valley-wide by Thursday morning.
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2024 Rainfall totals:
Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 1.32" (+0.32" from average)
Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 1.39"
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2023 Rainfall totals:
Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 4.21" (-3.01" from average)
Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 5.47"
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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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