PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A major weather pattern change will bring cooler temperatures along with rain and snow chances to much of Arizona over the next couple of days.

After two days in the 70s, the Valley will see a drop to highs in the mid-60s today. The Phoenix area will stay dry, but a few snow showers are possible in the higher elevations today as a weak storm rolls through our area. Overall, winds should be lighter than what most parts of the state saw on Tuesday.

A more potent winter storm arrives in the state tomorrow, significantly impacting our region on Friday. The low-pressure system will bring a chance of snow showers to the high country throughout the day Thursday, with off-and-on rain and snow in mountain communities as snow levels fluctuate throughout the day.

Changing snow levels makes forecasting amounts challenging to do. Still, in general, areas above 7,000 feet should see 3 to 7 inches of snow between Thursday and Friday, with 8 to 15 inches possibly above 8,000 feet.

The bulk of the rain with this system will move in Thursday night and Friday in the Valley. Look for a 30 percent chance of rain Thursday evening and a 70 percent chance of showers Friday, especially during the morning hours.

Up to a quarter inch of rain is possible in the Phoenix metro area, with up to a half inch possible in foothill areas northeast of town. Friday will be a First Alert weather day across Arizona.

Thursday through Saturday, look for highs in the low 70s in the Valley. High pressure brings the return of dry conditions this holiday weekend. Temperatures are also likely to warm to the mid-70s on Sunday and to the upper 70s on Presidents Day.

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