It's going to feel like winter in Arizona, finally
PHOENIX - After what seems like forever since we've gotten rain in the Valley, we're finally going to see some winter weather arrive in Arizona.
"If cold/blustery weather is what you wanted that is what you're going to get," the National Weather Service (NWS) Phoenix office said on Jan. 7.
The Flood Control District of Maricopa County says clouds and virga will be seen across the county. It says to watch for sprinkles and possibly blowing dust.
The mid-40s to low 50s are expected on Wednesday morning, and the 30s to low 40s are possible on Thursday morning.
A Freeze Watch was issued for Thursday and Friday mornings in Globe, San Carlos, Roosevelt and Wickenburg.
More on the winter storm from FOX 10 Meteorologist Krystal Ortiz
A few spotty, light rain and snow showers may fall over northern and western Arizona on Tuesday.
By Tuesday evening and into the night, a few rain showers are expected to extend down into the Valley and surrounding lower deserts.
These showers will be light and spotty, but could provide brief relief from the dry conditions we've experienced recently. Through the night, on and off light snow showers are possible in areas like the San Francisco Peaks, Mogollon Rim, and White Mountains.
Into Wednesday morning and afternoon, the moisture will slide south and east. The White Mountains may see lingering snow showers throughout the day, again spotty and light.
Expected snow totals
Snow totals are forecast to be low, with 1-2" possible in Flagstaff, 4-6+" atop the San Francisco Peaks, and up to 1" for spots like Pinetop and Heber. The tops of the White Mountains may pick up a couple of inches, too.
Wind gusts
Gusty winds will increase as the storm system passes over the state and last through Wednesday. Gusts Tuesday are forecast to reach up to 30 mph in Northern Arizona, and increase to 30-40 mph by Wednesday. In the Valley, winds increase Tuesday evening through Wednesday with peak gusts between 25-35 mph.
What's next?
Following the storm system's passage, cool air will dominate the forecast through the weekend. The following week, temperatures may slowly start to climb back toward the 70s.
It appears the pattern may return to more dry conditions following this winter storm event. Overall, the 10-day forecast looks much more like a desert winter than it has!