Wet Christmas forecast for Maricopa, snow in high country

As snowstorms are predicted up north, Maricopa is likely to have a rainy Christmas Day, according to the National Weather Service.

Rain is expected to start tonight, mainly after 11 p.m. The low temperature will be around 49 degrees F. The chance for precipitation tonight is 60% and could accumulate up to a quarter of an inch.

Christmas Eve, Tuesday shoppers will likely be dealing thunderstorms after 8 a.m. and high of just 61. The probability of rain is 90% with acculation between half-inch to three-quarters of an inch. That will decline to 30% overnight, when the low is expected to around 44.

Wednesday, Christmas has a 40% chance of rain under partly sunny skies, with a high near 60. The night is forecast to be mostly cloudy with a low around 41.

Thursday, the likelihood of rain returns after 11 a.m. There is a 30% chance of rain during that day, and that increases to 40% overnight.

The chance of rain lessens from 30% to 20% over the weekend, with high temperatures in the upper 50s.

In Northern Arizona this week, areas above 6,500 feet from the Grand Canyon through the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains are expected to get between 3 and 7 inches of snow, with the heaviest snowfall expected Tuesday. The highest elevations, such as Hannagan Meadow in far eastern Arizona, could see up to 10 inches.

Tips from Arizona Department of Transportation:

If traveling in the high country, leave prepared to spend more time on the roads than usual and, in case you become stranded, pack an emergency kit that includes – at a minimum – extra blankets, warm clothes, food and water, sand or cat litter for traction, a first-aid kit and a fully charged cellphone. Wherever you drive, turn on headlights in threatening weather and, when roads are icy or wet, reduce speed and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead.

When it’s raining, avoid water pooling in travel lanes. If your vehicle appears to be hydroplaning, ease your foot off the gas pedal until you regain traction rather than braking suddenly, which can cause a vehicle to skid. Be aware that the tires of larger vehicles can create spray that reduces visibility for those following too closely.

When traveling on local roads, don’t risk crossing a flooded wash, even if it doesn’t look deep. Just a few inches of running water can carry away a vehicle, even a heavy pickup truck or SUV. Driving around “Road Closed” signs puts your life at risk and could get you cited under the state’s “stupid motorist” law.

Before a storm, it’s always wise to inspect windshield wipers and replace them if necessary.