Arizona weather forecast: High winds expected in the high country

5 p.m. Weather Forecast - 11/23/24

The jet stream is bringing in cool temperatures through the state and strong winds into the high country.

PHOENIX - Gusty winds in the high country Saturday afternoon will lighten up this evening, and high clouds will push in across the state.

Temperatures will be seasonably cool overnight.

Sunday will start cool and partly sunny statewide, but clouds will increase throughout the day, even becoming overcast in the Valley before sunset.

Winds will be gusty in the high country Sunday afternoon, with gusts as high as 40 to 45 mph in spots like Flagstaff, Show Low and Window Rock.

Monday will be a calmer day, but expect the winds to increase again on Tuesday.

Dry conditions are in the forecast, statewide, on Sunday, but a few isolated showers will be possible in northern Arizona Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Temperatures will cool slightly Sunday and Monday, as a cold front moves into the state, but warmer than normal temperatures will return ahead of Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving will be a seasonably warm day and dry across the state.

Sunny skies and slightly warmer temps are on tap for Friday 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:

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

Sunny skies and slightly warmer temps are on tap for Friday in the Valley.

We saw a high near 84°F on Nov. 22 in Phoenix.

This weekend, we'll see a high near 80°F on Saturday. On Sunday, temps will drop back down into the 70s.

Next week, temps will stay in the 70s, with a high near 73°F on Thanksgiving.