PHOENIX — Kicking off the new month with a big winter storm headed into Arizona, bringing rain, snow, gusty winds and a huge drop in temperatures!
This storm could impact outdoor activities and travel across Arizona, Thursday and Friday are ABC15 Weather Action Days. Take action now to get ready for this storm which will likely bring widespread showers as early as Thursday night.
Thursday morning will start off dry, but rain could impact parts of western Arizona in the early afternoon before moving into the Valley Thursday night.
Widespread rain will continue in the Phoenix metro area through the overnight hours.
Friday brings scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day, with wet roads possible in the Valley for the Friday morning commute, and some wet roads possible during the afternoon and evening drive. Travel will continue to be impacted across the high country on Friday, too.
The Valley could pick up a half an inch to an inch of rain with this storm and we could see even more in the higher terrain north and east of Phoenix.
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect from Thursday night to Friday night for areas above 7,000 feet along the eastern Mogollon Rim and in the White Mountains, including for spots like Heber and Show Low.
Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for areas above 6,000 feet in north-central Arizona and in parts of northeast and southeast Arizona, including spots near the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Window Rock.
Areas above 7,000 feet could pick up around a foot of snow through Saturday morning, with as much as 6 inches of snow possible in spots above 6,000 feet, including places like Flagstaff.
Most accumulating snowfall with this storm will happen above 5,500 feet in elevation, but a dropping snow level could bring flurries into places as low as 4,500 feet in elevation by Saturday morning.
With wind gusts as high as 40 to 50 mph in northern Arizona, blowing snow and low visibility will be an issue in high country locations too.
Slight chances for lingering rain and snow showers continue on Saturday. Then, our forecast will dry out Sunday.
The cold air with this storm will drop Valley highs into the low to mid 60s Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Early morning lows will be in the low to mid 40s.
We are also tracking another storm moving in next week that could impact the Phoenix Open. Stay tuned for updates as we get closer.
