Arizona weather forecast: Mostly sunny and warmer in the Valley

5 p.m. Weather Forecast - 11/26/24

Thanksgiving Day is shaping up to be a beautiful one!

PHOENIX - Another warmer than average day as we move closer to Thanksgiving.

Temperatures warmed to 79 degrees in Phoenix and the middle 50s in Flagstaff on Tuesday. Temperatures will be mild across the state ahead of a cold front that moves north to south across Arizona on Wednesday.

Ahead of the cold front, winds will increase in northern Arizona with gusts up to 35-45 mph around Flagstaff and 30-40 mph in Show Low. However, winds will not strengthen in the Valley, with gusts only reaching 10-15 mph over the next couple of days.

The cold front will also bring some moisture to the northern edge of the state on Tuesday and across northeastern Arizona on Wednesday. The few showers that hit the state line on Tuesday will come in the form of rain, but some snow showers may mix in by Wednesday – just for the highest elevations.

Cooler air starts to settle around the state following the frontal passage. As a result, the high is forecast to drop to the middle 70s on Wednesday and Thursday.

Thanksgiving afternoon temperatures will reach around 74 in Phoenix, near 50 in Show Low, and near 60 in Payson. Flagstaff is forecast to cap at 46 degrees on Thanksgiving afternoon.

While a few showers may move through on Wednesday in northern/northeastern Arizona, only scattered clouds are expected in Phoenix for the next several days, including Thanksgiving.

This weekend will be perfect for shopping or putting Christmas decorations outside! Winds are forecast to be weaker and the temperature remains comfortably in the middle 70s with a partly sunny sky in Phoenix.

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

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.

Winter weather/snow safety tips

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: