Prime pool weather expected in Valley for Memorial Day weekend

PHOENIX — As one of the coolest months of May in recent history comes to a close, Phoenix-area temperatures are expected to creep up but remain pleasant over Memorial Day weekend.

Valley staycationers can expect prime pool weather, with clear skies and below-normal temperatures through Monday.

The mercury is expected to peak Saturday at 92 degrees. Highs in the 80s are forecast for Friday, Sunday and Monday.

Phoenix hasn’t seen highs in the 80s during Memorial Day weekend since 2012, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

A pleasant Memorial Day weekend is on tap as temperatures continue to remain well below normal. The last time Phoenix saw highs in the 80s on Memorial Day occurred back in 2012. Be sure to enjoy these temperatures while they last! #azwx pic.twitter.com/YbDZ12bbDu

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) May 23, 2019

Golfers might consider avoiding a tee time Sunday, when wind gusts are expected to reach as high as 20 mph before tapering off to about 10 mph on Memorial Day.

Through Thursday, it was the third coldest May in the last 30 years in Phoenix, with an average of 76.3 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

May has been cool so far, but not quite a record. #azwx pic.twitter.com/OJLZ256ZQ0

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) May 23, 2019

For road-trippers and campers heading north, the roads have cleared up after Thursday morning’s rare late-May winter storm.

And like in the Valley, temperatures will move upward in northern Arizona, but not too far. It should remain dry through Sunday, but there’s a chance for showers Monday north of Interstate 40.

In Flagstaff, highs are forecast in the low 60s until Monday, when it will drop to around 52.

For Payson, expect highs in the low 70s until Monday, when the forecast calls for 64 degrees.

In addition to packing warm clothes – it’s expected to fall near freezing around Flagstaff overnight and into the low 40s in the Payson area – campers should check with the National Forest Service for availability.

Campsites at Tonto and Coconino national forests typically fill up by Friday on Memorial Day weekend.

Are you prepared for travel during the #MemorialDayWeekend? Make sure you have all your critical supplies before you leave. Many highway tragedies are prevented before you even leave the driveway. #BuckleUp #DontDUI #SlowDown #PhonesDown #StayRightExceptToPass #TireCheck pic.twitter.com/JLH9OZ0lwx

— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) May 24, 2019

And while the roads have cleared up, the Arizona Department of Transportation said drivers still need to buckle up and be mindful of their speed, as there were seven fatal crashes on Arizona roadways last Memorial Day weekend.

The agency also recommended drivers check tire pressure and pack extra supplies, including water and snacks, before traveling.

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