PHOENIX (CBS5) -
A sharp low pressure system is poised to bring a strong likelihood of showers, thunderstorms and locally heavy rain Friday afternoon and night.
Before the changes arrive, daytime highs Thursday will reach into the upper 70s. Enjoy the warmth because cold air will filter through the state on Friday.
Winds will pick up on Friday ahead of a strong Pacific storm system. Wind gusts could reach 30 mph throughout the day. Rain showers will start to develop Friday morning, at least during some of the morning commute. Showers should remain steady through the afternoon. Totals in some Valley locations could reach a half inch of rain.
The atmosphere will be fairly unstable so don't rule out a chance of thunderstorms, mainly Friday afternoon. There is a good chance some hail and gusty winds will accompany these thunderstorms.
Along with the rain, snow will fall in the high country.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of northern Arizona and a Winter Storm Advisory for the southeastern part of the state on Friday.
Snow levels will be dropping to as low as 4,000 feet. Expect anywhere from 1 to 4 inches of snow. In the highest elevations, snow accumulations could get up to 10 inches.
High winds are also expected in the high country so anyone traveling should prepare for low visibility because of blowing snow.
Showers will start taper off by Saturday afternoon. Temperatures will only warm up into the low 60s. Clearing skies on Sunday and a ridge of high pressure will strengthen for the beginning of next week.
By the middle of the week highs will reach into the mid 80s.
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