Memorial Day 2024 in Arizona: Roadways clear as holiday comes to a close

The Memorial Day weekend was here, with gorgeous weather and heavy traffic on the roads. The weekend was packed with events, from Fan Fusion to Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Mercury games downtown to other events around the Valley.

Memorial Day commemorated those who lost their lives defending the United States in the military, and cities and towns around metro Phoenix held events throughout the weekend to mark the occasion and honor the fallen.

ADOT: Roadways clear as Memorial Day comes to a close

The Arizona Department of Transportation was reporting no major delays on highways at 7 p.m., bringing to a close a major travel day that saw only a handful of crashes leading to slowdowns.

ADOT offers several options for checking whether roads are clear:

• The Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov allows travelers to map routes and see closures affecting travel time.

• The AZ511 app for Apple and Android mobile devices is a smartphone-friendly version of the Arizona Traveler Information site.

• Within Arizona, dialing 511 calls the Arizona Traveler Information line, which offers traffic reports. Just say the route you're driving and the automated system will respond with traffic delay information. If 511 doesn't work from a cellphone, dial 1-888-411-ROAD (7623). If you're outside the U.S., dial 1-520-200-0105.

• ADOT provides updates on highway conditions via its X feed @ArizonaDOT.

Rock climber in serious condition after fall in north Scottsdale

A rock climber was in serious condition after a fall near Tom's Thumb in north Scottsdale on Monday morning.

Scottsdale and Phoenix fire rescue crews were dispatched to assist a 34-year-old woman who fell 30 to 40 feet, according to Cpt. Dave Folio of the Scottsdale Fire Department.

A helicopter was sent to retrieve her, he said.

Man's body recovered Monday from Bartlett Lake

A man's body was recovered from Bartlett Lake, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said.

At about 6:30 p.m. Sunday, the MCSO received reports of a man who went underwater but didn't resurface near Bartlett Lake Flats, a popular recreation area in the northern portion of the lake.

On Monday at about 1 a.m., deputies located the man's body.

He has not been publicly identified. An investigation was ongoing, said Sgt. Calbert Gillett, a spokesperson for the MCSO.

ADOT: Slowdowns south of Munds Park, headed into Sedona

As of 1:30 p.m. Monday, the Arizona Department of Transportation was reporting significant slowdowns on southbound Interstate 17 just south of Munds Park and on State Route 179 headed into Sedona. Shortly after 1 p.m., ADOT also reported a crash was blocking all lanes on State Route 89 just south of Yarnell.

ADOT: No delays reported on Arizona highways

As of 7:30 a.m. Monday, the Arizona Department of Transportation was reporting no significant delays on Arizona highways.

Northbound State Route 87 reopens in Fountain Hills

The northbound lanes on State Route 87 reopened Sunday afternoon after a fatal crash shut down traffic near Shea Boulevard in Fountain Hills.

The Arizona Department of Transportation previously warned drivers to expect delays and take alternate routes until the road had cleared.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety said three people were killed in a wrong-way crash early Sunday morning which caused the temporary closure.

Valley to see triple digits on Memorial Day

The Phoenix area is forecasted to see clear skies and reach triple digits on Memorial day with a high of around 103 degrees and a low of 76 degrees with temps staying roughly the same throughout the week according to the National Weather Service.

Those seeking a reprieve from the heat might travel north, with Flagstaff having a high of 77 on Memorial day and a low of 40. The weather service said the Flagstaff area has a chance of being hazy on Monday but should eventually clear up later in the day. The agency noted that the northern Arizona city could also see gusts of up to 21 mph on Monday as well.

Northbound State Route 87 closed in Fountain Hills

Northbound State Route 87 was closed in Fountain Hills early Sunday because of a crash at milepost 187 near Shea Boulevard, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Traffic was being taken off at Gilbert Road. It was unclear when the road would reopen.

ADOT said northbound lanes remained closed as of Sunday morning while noting that southbound lanes remained unaffected.

— Republic staff

Brush fire sparks near I-17

A brush fire on Table Mesa Road was burning Saturday evening just west of Interstate 17 in New River, with Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical crews working to put it out.

Firefighters were dispatched at 6:12 p.m.

— Republic staff

Several heat relief centers to remain open on Memorial Day

Though Phoenix city facilities are closed on Memorial Day, some things will remain open.

Several valley heat relief centers will remain open for the holiday, according to a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, from the city of Phoenix.

You can locate a heat center near you by visiting the following webpage.

— Abigail Celaya

TSA breaks record for most passengers screened in a single day

Millions of Americans traveled for the Memorial Day holiday Thursday. According to a news release from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), officers at Richmond International Airport counted a record number of individuals who were screened at security checkpoints.

They screened 9,85 people which surpassed a record of 9,711 people screened in a single day last year.

Nationwide a near-record number of travelers was also seen. It was reported that 2,897,417 people were screened at airports across the country, which TSA said was the second-highest number of people screened in a single day. They attributed the high number of screenings to Memorial Day Weekend travel.

— Abigail Celaya

Phoenix city pools open for Memorial Day weekend

Phoenix Parks and Recreation announced the Saturday opening of city pools with their open swim sessions all Memorial Day weekend.

The open swim sessions are from noon to 6 p.m. at any Phoenix pool location.

Different locations also offer a variety of swim lessons, water exercise classes and kids clubs throughout the summer.

— Kira Caspers

Everything you need to know about traffic and weather on busy Memorial Day weekend

Holiday travel for Memorial Day weekend will be busier than it has been in decades, according to AAA, but clear highways and easy summer weather will make it easier to navigate.

The transportation organization said more than 40 million Americans will cross the country either by car or plane for vacations and festivities.

Thursday and Friday are generally considered the best days to depart, and Sunday is the best day to return.

While highways in Arizona are mostly clear for the weekend, drivers can stay informed with services like az511.com, which shows Arizona highway conditions in real-time.

Travelers flying in and out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport should keep tuned to skyharbor.com for flight statuses.

No matter the mode of travel, Arizonans can expect more expensive fuel and flight ticket costs.

Calm weather will take effect for most of the state as temperatures steadily rise to the low 100s by Monday.

Arizona road trips perfect for a holiday weekend

Statewide nature attractions and small-town adventures await Arizonans looking for a quick Memorial Day weekend road trip.

Exploring the state from top to bottom, road trips offer an opportunity for all kinds of interests ― whether it's relaxing at a scenic nature spot like Canyon de Chelly or unwinding in Flagstaff, where eight breweries take part in a unique walk that connects city shops with various bars.

Art lovers can head to Prescott's Courthouse Plaza to spend the day at an art show and sale lasting all day on Saturday and Sunday.

For those uninterested in getting out of the car, witness Arizona's different scenic biomes on the 460 different curves of U.S. 191, a scenic byway that snakes up to 6,000 feet elevation.

If you're traveling for Memorial Day weekend, watch for these fire restrictions

Fire restrictions have been imposed by officials over large parts of the Tonto National Forest and state trust lands preceding Memorial Day weekend.

Northeast of metro Phoenix, the Tonto National Forest issued Stage 1 fire restrictions across most of its territory on Thursday, excluding areas in and around Globe and Payson.

The restriction prohibits the use of fireworks, target shooting and smoking, except in enclosed spaces or open areas that are bare and free of debris, grass or brush for at least 3 feet. Campfires are restricted to grills provided at campgrounds.

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management also announced Stage 1 restrictions on state trust lands in Gila, Maricopa and Pinal counties on Wednesday. These restrictions are similar to the national forest restrictions and also prohibit the use of any tools that have an open flame.

Read more about it: Traveling in Arizona for Memorial Day weekend? Watch for these fire restrictions

— Kira Caspers

Stay local and enjoy Memorial Day weekend in the Phoenix area with these activities

Arizonans who choose to stay home for the holiday weekend have plenty to keep them busy. Concerts and conventions continue throughout the holiday weekend, and the unusually good weather provides perfect conditions for outdoor activities.

Many of these weekend events, like Phoenix Fan Fusion, a DBacks game and a Maggie Rogers concert, are based in downtown Phoenix, but Valley-wide, there are both parties, and kid-friendly events.

The Arizona Biltmore in Scottsdale will hold a special showing of the patriotic movie "Top Gun" under the stars of Phoenix, while more active residents can hit the Salt River in Mesa for tubing or participate in the 2024 Maricopa Memorial Day 5K in Maricopa.

What to expect for Memorial Day weather in Arizona, Southern California

If you're hoping to enjoy warm and sunny weather this Memorial Day weekend you are in luck. Phoenix was expected to have about average temperatures for this time of year. Other cities were also forecast to have enjoyable weather.

Phoenix should have high temperatures of 90 and 95 on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, with a high of 101 on Memorial Day. Conditions were expected to be sunny and breezy over the weekend with the breeze clearing out by Monday.

Low temperatures will hover in the upper 60s and low 70s over the weekend and Memorial Day.

Not staying in Phoenix for the holiday? Here’s what to know about weather in some nearby cities.

Tucson

Tucson will follow a similar trend to Phoenix throughout the weekend. The weather service forecasts skies to stay sunny and clear. High temperatures will remain in the 90s, with highs of 91 and 94 on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, and 99 degrees on Memorial Day.

Low temperatures will range from the upper 50s to low 60s.

Flagstaff

No snow or rain was expected in Flagstaff this Memorial Day weekend, even as Snow Bowl stays open until June 1. It's one of only nine ski resorts still open in the U.S., according to the resort. Temperatures down the hill will creep up all weekend long with high temperatures of 67 and 74 in Flagstaff on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, according to the weather service. On Memorial Day, the high was forecast to hit 77 degrees. Skies were expected to be sunny with little cloud coverage.

Low temperatures will range from the upper 30s to low 40s.

San Diego

For those traveling west to California for the holiday weekend, cooler temperatures and cloudy skies in some areas are expected. The weather service forecasts cloud coverage in San Diego for the week with a possibility of drizzles and fog on Saturday. Highs were expected to be in the mid- to upper 60s with low temperatures in the mid- to upper 50s.

Los Angeles

Traveling to the City of Angels? Temperatures in Los Angeles were forecast by the weather service to warm up as Memorial Day approaches. Highs of 70 and 72 were forecast for Saturday and Sunday, respectively, with a high of 74 degrees on Memorial Day. Low temperatures are expected to stay in the mid-50s.

Skies were expected to have patchy fog in the morning and then be mostly sunny throughout the day during the weekend.

These metro Phoenix, Prescott events will honor fallen soldiers

If you’re looking to honor the fallen this Memorial Day weekend, numerous events are happening throughout the Valley and the state. Here are some of the places where you can pay tribute.

Memorial Day at VA National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

At 7 a.m. on May 25, community members can place flags at the VA National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. On May 27 at 8 a.m., the cemetery will hold a Memorial Day program. The cemetery is at 23029 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix.

Memorial Day ceremony at Gilbert Historical Museum

A Memorial Day ceremony will happen at Gilbert Civic Center from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on May 27. The museum will be open and free to the public from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The event will include remarks from Mayor Brigette Peterson and include flag and wreath placing. The Gilbert Civic Center is at 50 E. Civic Center Drive.

Arizona war dead: Nearly 3,000 have died in service to their country

Event at Heard Museum

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 27 the Heard Museum in Phoenix is hosting a Memorial Day event. Visitors can see the American Indian Veterans National Memorial and other exhibitions and go to Steele Auditorium for live music, film screenings and veteran artists showcases.

The event costs $22.50 to attend and is $18 for those 65 and older and students with a college ID. Tickets are $9 for those 6-17 years old. The event is free for children under 5, American Indians with tribal ID or CIB. It's also free for veterans and active duty members plus one guest.

The museum is at 2301 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix.

Remembrance Ceremony at Prescott National Cemetery

The Prescott Veterans Administration will host a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Prescott National Ceremony from 11 a.m. to noon on May 27. There is no parking at the cemetery, but free parking is available at Yavapai College with a free shuttle service. Shuttles start at 9 a.m. and the last shuttle will depart at 10:45 a.m.

The ceremony will include guest speakers and a wreath laying. Yavapai College is at 1100 E Sheldon St. in Prescott. The cemetery is at 500 State Route 89 in Prescott.

Avondale Civic Center Memorial Day ceremony

A Memorial Day event that includes exhibits, a musical tribute and flag ceremony will happen at the Civic Center Amphitheater in Avondale on May 27 at 8:30 a.m. The ceremony is free and at 11465 W. Civic Center Drive.

— Abigail Celaya and Meredith G. White

No freeway closures over holiday weekend, ADOT says

Arizona travelers hitting the roads for Memorial Day can expect a weekend free of scheduled road closures on any state highways or Phoenix-area freeways, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

ADOT is encouraging drivers to prepare for unexpected closures as more people hit the roads, and to prepare for hot weather by maintaining vehicles and packing emergency supplies.

ADOT recommends getting plenty of rest before traveling and, if you have to make a sudden stop, to avoid pulling over in an area with grass or brush nearby to limit the risk of starting a wildfire from the heat of your vehicle.

As of Friday morning, no major crashes hindered travel on any Phoenix-area freeways.

The break from roadway closures offers drivers a pause from the increased traffic seen on Arizona freeways during the past two weekends due to construction. Work on Interstate 17 and construction projects like the Broadway Curve Improvement Project have caused frequent delays in metro Phoenix.

— Kira Caspers

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Memorial Day 2024 in Arizona: Live updates on traffic, events