Rain in Maricopa, snow in high country forecast for Thanksgiving

Whether staying home or driving to a Thanksgiving destination this week, the weather might be adventurous, according to the National Weather Service. Maricopa is expecting rain and even frost while the high country prepares for a winter storm.

Wednesday starts out well enough in Maricopa with a partly sunny day and a high around 70 degrees F. However, there is a 30% chance of rain after 11 p.m. while the low slides to 48 overnight.

Thanksgiving Day, there is a 70%-80% chance of rain all day while winds are 10-15 mph and gusting up to 25 mph. Up to a quarter of an inch of rain is expected during the day. The chance of rain increases to 90% overnight, with three-quarters of an inch possible. The low temperature is expected to be around 45.

A flash-flood watch is in effect from Thursday morning through Friday afternoon. A flash-flood watch means that flooding of washes, creeks and other drainage areas is possible within the watch area. Be prepared to take immediate action should heavy rain and flooding occur or a flash-flood warning be issued.

Meanwhile a winter-storm watch is in effect in Arizona’s high country, including Payson, Prescott and Flagstaff. If traveling in these areas this weekend, stay alert to weather and traffic conditions. If you must drive, make preparations for snow and winds. “Travel will be very difficult to impossible” in many areas, according to NWS.

Snow forecast from 3 p.m. Thursday to midnight Saturday:
Flagstaff 15 to 21 inches
Forest Lakes 19 to 25 inches
Fredonia 1 to 3 inches
Grand Canyon 8 to 12 inches
Heber-Overgaard 7 to 11 inches
Jacob Lake 9 to 13 inches
Paulden 1 to 3 inches
Prescott 4 to 8 inches
Sedona 3 to 5 inches
Seligman 3 to 5 inches
Williams 14 to 20 inches

Friday in Maricopa, there is a 50% chance of rain on a partly sunny day as the high reaches only 58 and winds continue at 10-15 mph. Chances of precipitation lessen to 20 percent at night as the low dips to 36. Frost is possible.

Saturday will also be nippy as skies begin to clear up, with a daytime high near 59 and an overnight low of 35.

Sunday is forecast to warm slightly to 64 on a mostly sunny day. The night is expected to be partly cloudy with a low near 64.

Before driving in questionable conditions, check AZ511.com.