WEATHER

Rain forecast for Phoenix area later this week, with sloppy snow predicted up north

Mackenzie Shuman
The Republic | azcentral.com
Construction work continues on Iron Mountain's Phoenix Data Center expansion Feb. 4, 2019, at 48th and Van Buren streets in Phoenix.

Don't put away those umbrellas just yet. Or those winter jackets either, for that matter.

The National Weather Service is forecasting rain in the Valley and wet snow up north near Flagstaff starting as early as Wednesday evening.

After a chilly day in the Valley Monday where temperatures will struggle to breach the low 60s, temperatures are predicted to climb a bit Tuesday but still will remain on the chilly side in the upper 60s through the weekend.

The Weather Service in Phoenix said the latest weather pattern comes courtesy of a storm system approaching the state from the West Coast.

Though temperatures will be slightly warmer, the Weather Service predicts a 60 percent chance of rain in the Valley starting as early as Wednesday evening, but it won't bring as much rain as last week's storms, which dropped up to an inch of rain in some parts of the Valley. 

Just a quarter of an inch of rain is expected this time, but the Weather Service still advises everyone to drive carefully around the Valley.

MORE:  Bundle up Flagstaff, snow and cold weather is on its way

As for the northern part of the state, the National Weather Service in Flagstaff got four inches of snow Monday, but slightly warmer temperatures are expected. 

The incoming storm system is expected to bring even more snow and rain to higher elevations. 

Chances for precipitation will persist across the state through the weekend, with a another possible cold front hitting the northern part of the state starting Sunday.