Arizona weather forecast: Dry conditions expected this weekend

PHOENIX - The temperatures are starting off quite cold. 

Saturday:

Saturday was a much quieter and sunnier day across Arizona. In Phoenix, it was 44 degrees this morning, making for a downright chilly start. Further north, the temperatures are even more extreme. Flagstaff was sitting at just 5 degrees with snow visible on the ground.

Other areas were feeling the bite as well Saturday morning, with Queen Creek at 41 degrees and Maricopa at 36 degrees. Wickenburg was just above freezing at 33 degrees, while Sedona was sitting right at the freezing mark. Other northern locations were even colder: Winslow at 19, Williams at 18, and Greer at a frigid 12 degrees.

This represents a massive shift over the last 24 hours. Compared to Friday, it is 17 degrees colder in Flagstaff, 10 degrees colder in Phoenix, and 15 degrees colder in Gila Bend. Window Rock saw a 20-degree drop in just one day.

While temperatures started out cold, the afternoon was warmer than previous days. The Phoenix area reached a high of 72 degrees. 

Tonight will be clear with a low temperature around 50 degrees.

Sunday:

Sunday will be a nice day across the state with partly cloudy skies and warmer temperatures. 

In the Valley, temperatures will rebound back to around 83 degrees Sunday afternoon. In the high country, temperatures will rebound back into the 50s and 60s for most. 

Spots with snow accumulation on the ground, like Flagstaff, will stay cooler, with highs in the 40s. Winds will be light, even in the high country.

Next week:

The warm up will continue throughout the week ahead, with morning and afternoon temperatures climbing into record-warm territory. 

By Wednesday, temperatures are expected to hit 89 degrees. On Thursday, the weather is forecasted to hit 90 degrees and stay there through the end of the week. 

No more storms are expected for Arizona in the week ahead.

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.

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