Phoenix residents see hail, light rain, wind gusts Sunday
Phoenix residents saw minor rain and wind gusts throughout the day Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
Hail fell over north Phoenix in the afternoon hours. The Arizona Department of Transportation initially reported snow on Interstate 17 just north of Jomax Road, but later clarified what was seen on the road was hail.
The metro Phoenix area had a high of 51 degrees and a low of 32 degrees, the weather service said.
The weather service said that the Phoenix area was expected to have minor precipitation totals of 0-0.1 inch throughout the day with a 90% chance of precipitation before clearing out by the evening.
There will also be anticipated wind gusts with the west wind starting from 10-15 mph during the day and 5-15 mph at night, along with gusts as high as 20 mph throughout the day, the weather service said.
Yes, it snows in Arizona: Here are 5 tips for how to drive in snow and ice this winter
Arizona will also expect to see possible snowfall with snow showers likely before 4 p.m. in Flagstaff (Northern Arizona) and snow showers in Huachuca City (Southern Arizona) by 7 p.m.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) January 7, 2024
The weather service in Phoenix issued several special weather statements warning of strong winds and small hail, also known as graupel, for areas including Scottsdale, Peoria, Sun City, Apache Junction, Queen Creek and Gold Canyon. Weather statements for these areas were expected to be valid through 5:15 p.m.
For the first half of this week from Monday through Wednesday, Phoenix-area residents should expect widespread frost and calm wind, the weather service said.
Monday through Wednesday is expected to be sunny throughout the day and to get gradually warmer each day. Monday should see a high of 53 degrees with a low of 31 degrees. Tuesday is expected to have a high of 55 degrees and a low of 34 degrees and Wednesday a high of 58 degrees and a low of 36 degrees, according to the NWS said.
There will be a moderate freeze warning Monday and Tuesday from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. that will cover portions of LaPaz, Maricopa, Gila and Pinal Counties. This will come with freezing temperatures with lows from the mid 20's to lower 30's, the NWS said.
The NWS said that the freeze warning will come with precautions. They advise that the freezing temperatures could cause damage to plants that are sensitive to the cold, and to check on neighbors with insufficient heating and make sure pets have a warm shelter.
Meteorologist Mark O'Malley also advised to make sure that outdoor piping is secured as well during this warning.
"If you have any outdoor piping, you may want to protect that, it depends on your location or how cold it's going to get. Just be prepared for cold weather for the remainder of the week," O'Malley said.
The department of transportation announced closures on the following highways due to weather conditions or weather-related incidents:
Interstate 40 eastbound at US 93
Interstate 40 eastbound near Ash Fork (milepost146)
Interstate 40 westbound near Williams (milepost158)
Interstate 40 westbound in Winslow (at milepost252)
US 60 eastbound outside Globe (milepost 255)
US 60 westbound in Show Low
State Route 87 southbound outside Winslow(milepost 338)
State Route 89A in both directions in Sedonabetween mileposts 375-397
State Route 64 in both directions near GrandCanyon National Park (milepost 243)
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix residents see hail, light rain, wind gusts Sunday
