Those dreaming of a white Christmas in Arizona may have to hike the high country, but holiday travelers may encounter some wet conditions on Arizona’s roads this weekend.
The National Weather Service is predicting says heavy rain is in the forecast, beginning Friday morning and continuing into Saturday.
Chris Kuhlman says the rain will bring cooler temperatures, normal 50s and 60s for this time of year.
Showers have brought light rainfall amounts to parts of the area with most places seeing totals around 0.10" or less since yesterday evening. Phoenix Sky Harbor has picked up 0.01" so far today. #azwx pic.twitter.com/p91iiFPZVw
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) December 20, 2023
“Pretty much maybe minus far northern Arizona, it will bring mostly rain to the state of Arizona. So snow levels will remain quite high, probably 7,500 to 8,000 feet," Kuhlman said.
Ryan Worley with the NWS says the Flagstaff area could see up to an inch of snow on Saturday. But due to unseasonably warm temperatures, it may vanish quickly.
Back in the Valley, Kuhlman says cool temperatures are expected to last through Christmas.
For the next several days this week, temps will remain higher than normal — reaching mid to high 70s, but not likely record-breaking.
National Weather Service forecast
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 75 degrees . A 50 percent chance of showers after 11 p.m. with a low around 55.
Friday: High near 62. Chance of precipitation is 100%, with amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Low around 55.
Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 11 a.m. High near 62. Then mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Sunday (Christmas Eve): A 20% chance of showers before 11 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 63 and low around 44.
Monday (Christmas Day): Sunny, with a high near 62 and a low around 43.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 63 and a low around 42.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 64.
