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MOST ACCURATE FORECAST: Gusty weekend ahead for parts of our state!

It's a warm start to March as temperatures soared to the upper 70s across the Valley. This is all ahead of a powerful winter storm, bringing heavy rain and mountain snow to much of the western US. That same storm will also bring rain, snow, and wind to Arizona this weekend.

By: Jorge Torres

Posted at 5:44 AM, Feb 29, 2024

and last updated 2024-03-02 00:24:56-05

PHOENIX — A powerful winter storm is bringing heavy rain and mountain snow to much of the western U.S. right now.

That same storm will also bring rain, snow, and wind to Arizona this weekend.

Here in the Valley, there is a slight chance of a few spotty rain showers in our Valley forecast on Sunday.

Up north, we could see scattered rain and snow showers late Saturday and Sunday with snow levels around 6,500 feet. Snow accumulations look minimal, though.

The bigger impact will be the wind as the core of this storm system stays to our north.

Wind Advisories are in effect across western and northern Arizona where gusts could peak at 45 to 55 mph Saturday and Sunday.

Parts of the high country, including Flagstaff, are under a High Wind Warning on Saturday as gusts could peak near 60 to 65 mph!

Those winds will usher in some cooler air, dropping Valley highs back into the low 70s by Monday.

We'll spend the rest of next week in the mid-70s, which is near normal for this time of year.

Then, another storm system will approach our state on Thursday and Friday.

Stay tuned for updates on this one as we get closer.

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2024 Rainfall totals:

Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 2.05" (+0.27" from average)

Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 2.18"

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