2.2M Arizonans will travel for Christmas. Here's what to know about roads, weather and more

With Christmas just days away, AAA forecasts that nearly 2.2 million Arizonans will travel for the holidays.

Following the busy Thanksgiving season, which saw more than 1 million Arizonans and 55.4 million Americans travel 50 or more miles to celebrate Turkey Day, AAA anticipates this Christmas and New Year's to be one of the busiest periods they've tracked in over 20 years.

Throughout the U.S., a projected 115.2 million people are expected to traverse 50 miles or more for the year-end festivities, which is a 2.2% increase or 2.5 million more travelers from 2022, according to AAA.

The large uptick places 2023 as the second-highest year-end travel forecast since 2000 — when AAA began tracking holiday travel — ultimately ranking behind 2019's monstrous 119 million.

“This year-end holiday forecast, with an additional 2.5 million travelers compared to last year, mirrors what AAA Travel has been observing throughout 2023,” Senior Vice President of AAA Travel Paula Twidale said in a statement. “More Americans are investing in travel, despite the cost, to make memories with loved ones and experience new places.”

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In terms of modes of transportation, each category saw an increase, with buses, trains and cruises seeing the largest change of 10.7%.

However, most Americans will opt for the road this year, with AAA slating nearly 104 million U.S. citizens to travel by car, about 1.8 million more than the previous year.

7.5 million Americans will likely take to the skies to reach their destinations this year, a 4.7% increase or 340,000 people.

Showers rain down on all of Arizona but likely to dry up come Sunday

An incoming storm system was set to impact the entire state of Arizona early this weekend, with weather officials expecting the damage to be done before Christmas day.

Phoenix weather forecast

For the Valley, rain chances explode on Friday, according to the National Weather Service Phoenix website.

"We're going to be seeing, likely, the backend of a big system that's going to push through the area starting on Friday and we still might see some lightning shower activity through the day on Saturday," meteorologist Ryan Worley told The Arizona Republic.

Rain chances were expected to be cut in half on Saturday, then drop to just 20% on Sunday, leaving Christmas day mostly clear.

Temperature-wise, Phoenix was slated to hold its highs in the mid-to-low 60s from Friday to Monday, while the lows will fluctuate, going from 58 degrees Friday before dropping throughout the weekend and hitting 47 degrees come Monday.

Flagstaff weather forecast

Folks in Arizona's high country can expect the same to be said for their forecast, as the oncoming system spells increased rain and snow chances from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon.

"The most of it is going to be Friday and Saturday and initially, we're looking at pretty high snow levels above 7,500 feet or so. So snow impacts are going to be pretty limited until Saturday," Flagstaff office meteorologist Megan Taylor told The Republic.

Saturday is when snow chances will increase in elevations around 6,500 feet, with Taylor adding that the forecast calls for about one to two inches.

According to the weather service's holiday travel forecast, Friday and Saturday sport the highest risk levels — moderate to minor — due to slick roads from the rain and snow.

As for temperatures, Taylor said the area is unlikely to escape the 30s.

Tucson weather forecast

Tucson sings a similar song to both Phoenix and Flagstaff through the weekend, with the hardest-hitting rain to commence on Friday and exit the region on Sunday, alongside potential snowfall in higher elevations.

"Some heavier rainfall rates are possible on Friday in the Tucson area, which could cause some slick roads as this is going to be the first heavier we've had in a while and potentially some lower washes, maybe having some water move through there," Tuscon office meteorologist Alex Edwards told The Republic.

Elevations above 7,000 feet, and especially 8,500, were expected to see the highest accumulation for snow levels, according to Tucson weather service officials on X.

Finally, Edwards stated that temperatures through the weekend will be "a few degrees cooler than normal" with the rain and cloudy conditions but will likely carry over into next week.

What can Arizonans expect for holiday travel this year?

AAA spokesperson Julian Paredes told The Arizona Republic that the busiest days this year travel-wise will be on Saturday, Dec. 23, and Thursday, Dec. 28.

"Traffic will be elevated during that whole period between Christmas and New Year's. The worst times to be driving are between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., so we really advise starting any trip in the morning," Paredes said.

Luckily, the Arizona Department of Transportation has paused its weekly improvement projects on state highways, meaning no scheduled major closures will take place through New Year's weekend.

However, ADOT spokesperson Doug Nintzel told The Republic that drivers should be prepared for heavier traffic during the holidays along the following stretches:

• Interstate 17 and State Route 87 north of Phoenix.

• Interstate 10 between Phoenix and California.

• Interstate 10 and State Route 143 (Hohokam Expressway) near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

At Sky Harbor, officials recommend those picking up or dropping off loved ones avoid congesting airport roadways and outside terminals by using the PHX Sky Train Stations located on the southwest corner of 44th Street.

Parking reservations can also be booked ahead of time via the airport's website at skyharbor.com/parking.

Tips for road trips

For those heading out and hitting the open road this week, officials recommend the following:

• Prepare your travel documents.

• Travel during off-peak periods if possible.

• Check your vehicle ahead of time, especially tire pressure and engine fluid levels.

• Carry a vehicle-repair kit.

• Take snacks and drinks with you.

• Pack a flashlight and extra batteries.

• Pack a cell phone charger.

• Pack blankets and warm clothing.

• Carry a first-aid kit and take any medications you might need.

• Stay updated on weather conditions.

• Get adequate rest.

• Buckle up.

• Obey speed limits.

• Never drive impaired.

• Let someone know your travel plans.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Traveling for Christmas? What to know about Arizona roads and weather