Going out on New Year’s Eve? Storm system to ring in 2026 with light rains

PHOENIX — Those making outdoor plans on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in metro Phoenix should expect light showers, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Most of the forecasted rain will sprinkle the Valley on Wednesday evening, according to NWS meteorologist Mark O’Malley.

“Then, a break is likely,” O’Malley told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday afternoon.

But you should keep your umbrellas handy moving into Thursday.

“Another round of some light showers is likely Thursday afternoon,” O’Malley said.

Here’s a look at the potential future radar New Year’s Eve into the New Year (10 AM Wed – 5 AM MST Thu). The atmosphere will be quite dry near the surface initially, so do not expect all the rain to reach the ground. Drive carefully if you encounter wet roads. #azwx #cawx pic.twitter.com/qqWki6Ob0G

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) December 30, 2025

The storm system moving into the Valley will bring fairly light rain, with most areas forecast to receive less than half an inch.

“Rainfall amounts will not be heavy at all. Maybe a tenth of an inch to a quarter of an inch,” O’Malley said. “Some areas may not see anything at all, but regardless, it’ll be fairly unsettled for the beginning of 2026.”

He doesn’t expect a significant cooldown as the calendar turns to the new year.

“Looking for temperatures, still fairly mild for this time of the year,” O’Malley said. “High temperatures by Thursday into the upper 60s to near 70 degrees. Low temperatures will remain into the 50s with all the cloud cover.”

He said this isn’t significantly rare for the Valley, since occasionally, metro Phoenix will see sprinkles in early January. However, one aspect is unusual.

“That’s much warmer than we typically expect for the new year,” he said of forecasted temperatures.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Melody Birkett contributed to this report.

Related

Storms make way into Valley with strong winds, scattered showers causing power outagesValley rain continues throughout weekend, expected to pick up into the weekStorms fail to live up to expectations, but parts of metro Phoenix get dousedOvernight monsoon storms hit Phoenix metro area with heavy rain and flash floodingFlood watch issued for metro Phoenix with widespread monsoon storms in forecastThunderstorms develop in Valley ahead of expected heavier monsoon activity