Rain likely for Phoenix area this weekend

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — We have a first alert for a significant change in our weather this weekend, with rain and thunderstorms becoming likely. The calm weather we experienced last week is about to turn from hot and dry to wet and cool. That’s because of a slow-moving storm system off the coast of California that will begin moving toward Arizona late Friday and the leading edge will arrive Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, temperatures around the valley on Thursday were in the mid 90s and that’s where we’ll be on Friday. Friday night lows will be in the 60s to 70s range.

The cutoff low will begin to enter Arizona on Saturday and the chance of precipitation will increase. Afternoon storms are expected to be mostly confined to the mountains and southeastern Arizona, but in the evening and overnight they are expected to become active around metro Phoenix. At this time, our models have indicated that the chance of rain around Phoenix will peak between 10 p.m. Saturday and 2 a.m. Sunday. However, with cutoff lows, timing is always critical, and we will continue to monitor the progress of the storm very closely.

Also, the latest indications show that the valley has a decent chance of more than ½” of rain in many places. Some areas will get more and some less, but it looks like the vast majority of places around Metro Phoenix will get rain. And the highs will be very pleasant. Saturday we expect 88. Sunday look for a high of just 78 degrees.

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