Arizona weather forecast: Slow-moving storm hitting the state this week

PHOENIX - We'll see a few more days of warmer-than-average weather before our first fall storm impacts the state.

What To Expect:

Skies were much cloudier than usual in Arizona on Wednesday, and temperatures stayed a couple degrees cooler than yesterday, with a high of 86 degrees.

The clouds will continue to stream in over Arizona tonight, which will make it difficult to see the northern lights. The geomagnetic storm will continue through Thursday, and it may be visible through some breaks in the clouds, using your camera.

Temperatures will fall to around 62 degrees Wednesday night in the Valley, and we will see a mostly cloudy Thursday, with a high of around 85 degrees. Friday will reach 86 degrees with partly cloudy skies.

In the next several days, we'll track an area of low pressure and associated cold front as it develops over the Pacific Ocean and slides in our direction. This area of low pressure will break from the general pattern – which can make it more difficult to forecast. As it breaks from the pattern, it will likely stall out over the Southern California coast. This means the timing of our precipitation, winds and cooler temperatures will be delayed compared to what was expected a couple of days ago.

Rain on the way

In the Valley, rain chances increase with a 10% chance of isolated showers on Friday afternoon to a 40% chance of showers on Saturday afternoon and a 60% chance from Saturday night into Sunday morning. The area of rain will be the steadiest across the state (spreading southwest to northeast) between late Saturday afternoon and midday Sunday. There will be a low chance for rain to snow mix, shifting briefly to just snow, over our highest elevations by Sunday.

The winds will be gusty in the high country on Saturday and Sunday, with 30 to 55 mph wind gusts possible. Temperatures will start to drop on Saturday, with highs in the upper 70s in the Valley. Sunday will bring the bigger cool down, with highs in the mid 60s. Another storm system will move in next week, bringing continued rain chances to the state, and keeping temperatures in the 60s and low 70s.

This means Sunrise and Arizona Snowbowl could see some snow as they prepare for their ski season.

You can always check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android.

Scroll down this page for satellite and radar, day planner, records, current temperatures, 10-day forecast, forecast highs, and recent rainfall totals, plus live video feeds.

Road Conditions

• Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)
• az511.com

Leave prepared before heading north

After recent snowfall in the high country, the Arizona Department of Transportation is reminding drivers who are heading north to never park along highways to play in the snow. 

Use the highway shoulders for emergencies only. Parking on them to play in the snow is hazardous in the following ways:

• Other drivers may be distracted by your vehicle.
• Other drivers may pull over as well to play in the snow, compounding the problem.
• Your vehicle may interfere with first responders who need to use the shoulder.
• Plows can throw snow and ice far off highways.
• It’s much safer to re-enter highways from on-ramps and other designated entrances

"Also, it’s not uncommon for lots of desert dwellers to take the opportunity to head north to play in the snow. So, remember to pack your patience and expect to spend extended time in your vehicle getting to and from snow play areas."

ADOT's suggestions for items to take along:

• Warm clothing and blankets
• A fully charged mobile phone and charger
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Drinking water
• Healthy snacks
• First-aid kit and necessary medications
• Ice scraper
• Small bag of sand or kitty litter for wheel traction
• Small folding shovel for snow removal
• Travel tool kit and battery cables
• Safety flares
• Plastic bags or containers for sanitation
• Road map(s)

ADOT says you and your vehicle must be prepared for driving in wintry conditions, including snow, ice and freezing temperatures.

• Get plenty of rest
• Plan your route in advance and notify someone about your route, destination and arrival time
• Take frequent breaks from driving
• Make sure your fuel tank is at least half to three-quarters full at all times
• Use snow tires, chains or studded tires as recommended or required. Studded tires are permitted on Arizona highways from Oct. 1 to May 1.
• Ensure your wipers, window defroster, headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals work
• Change your motor oil to a winter grade
• For electric or hybrid vehicles, be sure the battery has sufficient voltage and the connection cables are tight

Get more safety tips at https://azdot.gov/KnowSnow

For Flagstaff area snow-play locations, see FlagstaffArizona.org's Winter Recreation Map or call 844-256-SNOW.

Rain/flood safety tips

The American Red Cross' tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety:

• Turn around don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
• Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
• If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
• Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
• If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
• If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.

Preparing for a severe thunderstorm 

The American Red Cross' tips for preparing for a severe thunderstorm:

• Put together an emergency kit.
• Know your community’s evacuation plan.
• Create a household disaster plan and practice it.
• Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce flooding.
• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.