Winter weather rolls in Tuesday night

Although Maricopa has been basking in unseasonably warm temperatures, the next two days will remind residents that it is actually still winter.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a 20 percent chance of showers after 4 a.m. tonight (Wednesday morning), with winds gusting up to 20 miles per hour. Tomorrow will see a 90 percent chance of showers, primarily before 3 p.m. Rain totals are expected to be between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch. The city will have gusty winds of 10-15 mph in the morning, increasing to 15-20 mph in the afternoon. Tomorrow’s high is only expected to reach 58 degrees.

The chance of showers dips to 20 percent Wednesday evening, with winds at 5 to 10 mph. The low is expected to dip to 34. Thursday begins a warming trend with sunny skies and temperatures around 60.

Most of northern Arizona will be under a winter storm warning through Thursday morning. Significant snowfall is expected around Flagstaff, with accumulations of 12 to 18 inches in the area and accumulations of 1 to 2 inches per hour. The White Mountains area will see a bit less snow, with up to 12 inches in the forecast, but that area also is under a winter storm warning. The Arizona Department of Transportation is recommending drivers avoid travel in those areas if possible.