Arizona weather forecast: Pattern shift brings rain, cooler temps to the state
Evening Weather Forecast - 4/1/26
The cold front brought comfortable temperatures and gusty winds across Arizona. FOX 10's Erica Horvatin has more on the breezy winds the Valley can expect for the remainder of the week.
PHOENIX - Following weeks of record warmth and dry conditions, the state finally saw rain Wednesday morning.
On Wednesday:
The showery conditions passed west to east across the state, including the Valley, through the early morning. As the morning continued to midday, the rain exited the state along far eastern Arizona. The rain that fell was generally light and patchy, but did leave some wet roads and slippery spots for the Wednesday morning commute.
Rain moved out of Arizona midday Wednesday, leaving mostly sunny skies, breezy winds and cooler temperatures.
The high country picked up impressive rainfall since Tuesday, with totals ranging from .2 inches to 1 inch. The Valley did not see as much rain, with only a couple hundredths of an inch, mainly in the east Valley.
The winds were strong, with 32 mph gusts in the Valley and 30 to 50 mph gusts in the high country.
Temperatures climbed to 86 degrees in Phoenix Wednesday afternoon, which is the first time highs have been in the 80s in 23 days.
Thursday, Friday & The Weekend:
The 80s will stick around through Friday, but temperatures will return to the 90s this weekend, through most of next week.
Overnight lows will be cooler each morning, dropping into the low to mid 60s. Skies will be dry and mostly to partly sunny.
The winds will be breezy on Thursday across the state, with 15 mph winds in the Valley, and up to 40 mph winds in the high country. The winds will lighten on Friday for most, except the Colorado River Valley, where strong northerly winds will whip through Bullhead City and Lake Havasu.
The weekend will be calmer for all. This means Easter Sunday will begin with a comfortable 66 degrees low temperature. The afternoon high hits 94 in Phoenix.
Looking Further Ahead:
The low to middle 90s will continue through next week, during generally dry and mostly sunny conditions.
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.
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.
The following heat safety information was provided by the Scottsdale Fire Department.
What are Heat Emergencies?
Heat Cramps: Profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst, muscle cramps
Heat Exhaustion: Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea/vomit, Cool/moist skin
Heat Stroke: Elevated temp. +103degrees, confusion/irrational behavior, dry/hot skin, rapid shallow breathing, rapid weak pulse (shock), seizures, unconscious
What to do
- Get person into shade or cool location.
- Cool person with cool, wet cloths (neck, groin, armpits, head) and fan body.
- Sip cool water if person is alert.
- For muscle cramps, massage muscles gently, but firmly until relaxed.
- *If symptoms worsen, call 911.
What not to do
- Do not give anything by mouth if person is vomiting, unable to swallow or unconscious.
- Do not underestimate the seriousness of a heat emergency.
- Prevention/Preparation for hike/exercise in heat.
Know your limitations
- Hydrate (begins day prior to hike/exercise, hour before hike, during and after).
- Wear proper clothing, lightweight and light color, protect head, proper shoes.
- Always carry a cell phone and best to hike with company.
- Always tell someone where you are hiking and when to plan to return.
Preventing heat exhaustion/heat stroke
The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
- Find a cooling center/hydration station.
- Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day).
- Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day.
- Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside.
- Check the UV Index.
- Check the heat risk map.
Road Conditions
- Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)
The Source: Information for this article was gathered by the FOX 10 Weather Experts.