Dramatic Winter Storm Sweeps Across Arizona

Rain, snow, and high winds forecast across the state as weather patterns shift

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:54pm

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A vast, majestic landscape painting in the style of Caspar David Friedrich, depicting a dramatic winter storm sweeping across the Arizona desert. The scene uses deep, atmospheric perspective and dramatic backlighting to capture the overwhelming, sublime scale of the weather, with swirling clouds and heavy snowfall dwarfing any physical structures or landmarks.A powerful winter storm system showcases the raw, elemental power of nature in the Arizona landscape.Phoenix Today

A powerful winter storm system is moving into Arizona, bringing rain, snow, and cooler temperatures to the region. The Phoenix area will see light showers, while the high country could get up to 2 inches of snow overnight. Winds will also be a concern, with gusts over 50 mph possible in the mountains.

Why it matters

This storm is part of a broader trend of drier conditions in Arizona, with the state seeing lower rainfall averages in recent decades compared to historical norms. Understanding these changing weather patterns is important for water resource management, agriculture, and preparing for the impacts of climate change.

The details

The storm system is expected to arrive in the Phoenix area later this afternoon and evening, bringing light showers that could produce up to a tenth of an inch of rain. In the high country, snow levels will drop to around 6,000-6,500 feet overnight, leading to light snow accumulations of a dusting to 2 inches in Flagstaff. Winds will also be a concern, with Wind Advisories in effect and gusts over 50 mph possible in the mountains.

  • The storm system arrives in the Phoenix area this afternoon and evening.
  • Snow levels drop to 6,000-6,500 feet overnight, leading to light snow accumulations.
  • Flagstaff could see a dusting to 2 inches of snow by Tuesday morning.

The players

abc15.com

The local ABC News affiliate in Phoenix, Arizona, providing weather forecasts and reporting on the latest weather conditions.

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What they’re saying

“A storm is on its way, bringing rain, snow, and cooler temperatures today!”

— Jorge Torres, Meteorologist

What’s next

The forecast will continue to be monitored, and any significant changes or updates will be reported by abc15.com.

The takeaway

This dramatic winter storm highlights the changing weather patterns in Arizona, with drier conditions and more extreme weather events becoming more common. Understanding and preparing for these shifts will be crucial for the state's communities, industries, and natural resources.