Phoenix, Arizona – As the New Year approaches, residents of Phoenix can expect above-normal temperatures through the week, with partly cloudy skies, breezy conditions, and a slight chance of rain New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, according to local meteorologists.
Warm Week Ahead
Sunday night will see partly cloudy skies with overnight lows dipping into the low 50s. Monday’s forecast calls for highs around 73 degrees with continued partly cloudy conditions. Breezy conditions are expected, with gusts of 15-20 mph in the Valley and 30-40 mph in higher terrain, creating noticeable wind during the afternoon.
Tuesday will continue the mild trend, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures rising into the low to mid-70s, maintaining above-average warmth for this time of year.
New Year’s Eve Forecast
Wednesday, New Year’s Eve, is expected to remain well-above normal, with highs in the mid-70s. While the day is forecast to be mostly dry, there is a 30% chance of light showers after 6 p.m., primarily during the evening. Meteorologists note that most areas may stay dry, and impacts on outdoor New Year’s Eve events are likely minimal, though residents should stay tuned for updates.
New Year’s Day Rain Chances
Thursday, New Year’s Day, brings a higher chance of rain at about 50%, with highs in the upper 60s. Light, off-and-on rain is possible Thursday night into Friday morning, tapering to about 40% by Friday afternoon and evening. The weekend is expected to feature partly cloudy skies with highs near 70 degrees, providing a mild end to the holiday week.
For the high country, scattered rain is likely Wednesday evening through Friday, primarily affecting lower elevations. Most areas are expected to remain wet rather than snowy, though higher peaks may see some snow, so travelers in mountain regions should monitor forecasts closely.
Historical Perspective
Rainfall on New Year’s Day in Phoenix is historically rare. In the past 130 years, it has rained on only 18 occasions, with the most recent event occurring in 2023, when 0.43 inches of rain were recorded. This highlights that while there is a slight chance of rain, dry conditions are far more common during the holiday in the Valley.
Are you planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve outdoors in Phoenix despite the slight chance of rain? How do you prepare for unexpected weather during celebrations? Share your plans, tips, and photos in the comments below and join the conversation.
