Thanksgiving in Arizona: Cooler temperatures expected for Phoenix area

Arizona Republic
·17 min read
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If the roads or airports seem more crowded than normal, that might be because 54.6 million people were expected to travel 50 miles or more for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to AAA's annual travel forecast.

This year is expected to be the third busiest for Thanksgiving travel since AAA started tracking in 2000.

And while Arizona highways do not top the busiest highways list, travelers should be extra prepared for what might come their way. Here is a running list of traffic, weather, gas prices and airport conditions you might encounter this holiday weekend.

Check highway conditions by visiting az511.gov or calling 511.

Check back with azcentral.com through the weekend for updates

7 p.m. Sunday: Cooler temperatures expected for Phoenix area

Expect the trend of cooler-than-normal weather to continue for the next few days, said National Weather Service meteorologist Jared Heil.

On Monday, the high will be around 70 degrees, but a cold front will cause the temperature to drop into the mid 60s on Tuesday.

Rural areas outside of the metropolitan area could see temperatures in the 30s on Wednesday morning, said Heil.

The Phoenix area will see temperatures climb back into the 70s for the rest of the week, although there is a slight chance of rain over the weekend. Nighttime temperatures are expected to be in the 40s, which Heil said is colder than usual for late November. Nighttime temperatures are typically in the upper 40s, while the area has been seeing temperatures in the lower 40s.

— Alexandra Hardle

3:30 p.m. Sunday: Road closures on Valley freeways

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, a crash on U.S. 60 westbound near Alma School Road is blocking the right two lanes.

Traffic is also backed up on westbound Interstate 10 due to a crash at milepost 180 near Sacaton.

— Ellie Willard

2 p.m. Sunday: Busy flight travel days follow the holidays

As of Sunday afternoon, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is reporting 33 flight delays, some more than an hour long.

"We recommend that individuals (including those picking up) double check the flight status before heading for the airport," said Eric Everts, a Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport spokesperson.

Travelers can check canceled or delayed flight statuses online.

The Federal Aviation Administration also updates the average delay status of airports across the country. FAA statuses can be checked online.

With a mass amount of returning flights, individuals flying home and those picking up others should have a designated plan on where to go following arrival.

"We also recommend utilizing the 44th Street PHX Sky Train® Station for pickup and drop-off to avoid curb congestion and roadway traffic at the Terminals. This can save a considerable amount of time. There is also a free cell phone waiting lot at that station to see when flights have arrived," said Everts.

— Ellie Willard

7:35 p.m. Saturday: Crash blocking I-17 entrance ramp at Dunlap Avenue cleared

The Arizona Department of Transportation reported that the entrance ramp at Interstate 17 southbound at Dunlap Avenue is clear while announcing separate, future lane restrictions on southbound I-17 and Interstate 10 westbound.

According to ADOT, southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Nov. 28-Dec. 3 for a series of repairs. ADOT also noted that I-17 will also experience full closures in both directions from 10 to 11 p.m. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, although those times could vary.

ADOT said that westbound I-10 will be reduced to one lane between Verrado Way and Miller Road overnight from 9 p.m. on Dec. 1 to 5 a.m. on Dec. 2. Watson Road will also be closed in both directions under I-10 from 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, to 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 5, ADOT said.

— Jeremy Yurow

3:15 p.m. Saturday: Crash blocking I-17 entrance ramp at Dunlap Avenue

The Arizona Department of Transportation has announced via Twitter that a crash is currently blocking the end of the entrance ramp at Interstate 17 southbound at Dunlap Avenue.

The Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical Station has also reported that several of its crews are responding to multiple vehicles on I-17, both north and southbound.

"With increased travelers on the roads this holiday weekend, please slow down, be patient, wear your seatbelt, and DO NOT drive distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs," Daisy Mountain Fire said via Twitter.

— Jeremy Yurow

12:45 p.m. Saturday: Cooler temperatures expected through November

Temperatures will run below normal in the high 60s in the next few days with lows in the mid-40s in the valley, according to National Weather Service Phoenix meteorologist Marvin Percha.

“It’s definitely cooler than normal for late November,” Percha said on Saturday morning.

The Phoenix area typically sees low- to mid-70s during this time of year, Percha explained. Days will see partly to mostly sunny skies with a few high clouds.

— Jose R. Gonzalez

5:50 p.m. Friday: Arizona Snowbowl opens

Flagstaff ski resort Arizona Snowbowl announced three-eighths of their chairlifts are spinning daily."Grand Canyon Express is open, conditions are great, and the stoke is real out on the slopes," read a tweet from the business.

— Jose R. Gonzalez

4:55 p.m. Friday: Phoenix police close major intersection

Phoenix police are investigating a multiple-car crash, including a marked Phoenix police patrol vehicle in the area of 51st Avenue and Thomas Road; 51st Avenue will be closed from Thomas Road to Virginia Avenue as the investigation continues.

— Jose R. Gonzalez

1:10 p.m. Friday: Overnight northbound Loop 101 ramp closures

The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising drivers to plan ahead as overnight ramp closures are planned along northbound Loop 101 between Thunderbird Road and Union Hills Drive for pavement maintenance. Overnight closures will be in effect during the week of Nov. 28-Dec. 2.

  • Monday, Nov. 28

  • Northbound Loop 101 on-and off-ramps at Thunderbird Road will be closed from 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, to 4 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29.

  • Tuesday, Nov. 29

  • Northbound Loop 101 on- and off-ramps at Bell Road will be closed from 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, to 4 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 30

  • Northbound Loop 101 on- and off-ramps at Union Hills Drive will be closed from 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, to 4 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1.

  • Thursday, Dec. 1

  • The southbound Loop 101 U-turn ramp leading to northbound Loop 101 at Union Hills Drive will be closed from 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, to 4 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2.

— Kye Graves

12:50 p.m. Friday: Sky Harbor expecting busiest travel days to come

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has experienced a busy Thanksgiving week but wants to remind travelers that the weekend won't slow down.

"Generally, the busiest days are the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Saturday through Monday afterwards, especially Sunday and Monday." Sky Harbor spokesperson Eric Everts said.

As of reporting, Sky Harbor is currently reporting that 14 flights are delayed. Travelers can check cancelled/delayed flight statuses at https://www.skyharbor.com/results/flight-status.

The Federal Aviation Administration also updates the average delay status of airports across the country. Currently, Sky Harbor is experiencing delays of up to 15 minutes or less. FAA statuses can be checked at https://testfly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp.

— Kye Graves

12:30 p.m. Friday: Interstate 10 near Sacaton backed up

The Arizona Department of Transportation advised drivers to plan for extra travel time as two crashes are causing traffic backups in each direction on I-10 near Sacaton.

— Kye Graves

12:20 p.m. Friday: Fallen Christmas tree on Interstate 10

Drivers were advised to make sure Christmas trees are properly secured after one took a spill on Interstate 10 westbound near Warner.

No presents reported.

— Kye Graves

10 a.m. Friday: MCSO investigating fatal crash near Broadway Road and 110 Street

Vehicular crimes detectives with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office were investigating a fatal crash involving a vehicle and pedestrian near Broadway Road and 110 Street in Mesa, according to MCSO spokesperson Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez.

The incident occurred at about 4 a.m. on Friday morning. The pedestrian was pronounced dead. The road would remain closed; drivers were advised to avoid the area.

— Kye Graves

9:15 a.m. Friday: Southeast U.S. to receive heavy rain, Arizona weather 'pleasant' through weekend

The National Weather Service Phoenix office was advising travelers that some popular destinations in the southeast would be receiving heavy rainfall over the weekend. The weather service said to expect generally sunny skies and highs in the upper 60s to lower 70s.

— Kye Graves

9 a.m. Friday: All Interstate 40 lanes open

All lanes on Interstate 40 are now open according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The westbound lanes were originally closed due to a crash.

— Kye Graves

5 a.m. Friday: Interstate 40 west partially open

The Arizona Department of Transportation announced that Interstate 40 heading west is now partially open after a crash shut down the Interstate at milepost 240 just west of Winslow.

Delays are to be expected.

— Kye Graves

2 p.m. Thursday: SR 77 reopens after tanker truck rollover

State officials reopened State Route 77 near Globe after a tanker truck carrying propane rolled over on the highway on Wednesday morning.

The rollover forced the closure of SR 77 in both directions, from U.S. 60 in Globe to State Route 177, so that the truck could be emptied — a process that took 32 hours, the Arizona Department of Public Safety said.

DPS announced the highway had reopened about 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

— Joanna Jacobo Rivera

8 a.m. Thursday: A sunny, cool and breezy Thanksgiving

Cool temperatures and breezy winds are on the menu for Thanksgiving in Phoenix.

The National Weather Service in Phoenix said Valley residents can expect temperatures to range from the low 40s to the low 70s, accompanied by some windy conditions caused by the movement of a dry weather system. However, it will be dry and sunny.

Gusty winds are expected throughout the valley, maxing out at around 20-25 mph in the Phoenix area.

— Vic Verbalaitis

5:50 p.m. Wednesday: Crash on Loop 202 southbound

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, a crash is blocking multiple southbound traffic lanes on the Loop 202 freeway near North Buckeye Road.

— Vic Verbalaitis

3:50 p.m. Wednesday: Propane tanker truck rollover causes SR 77 closure near Globe

The SR 77 closure reported early Wednesday near Globe will last through Thursday, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

A tanker truck carrying propane rolled over at milepost 154, between Globe and Winkleman, and hazardous waste clean-up crews were working to empty the truck — a 32-hour ordeal, according to DPS.

The rollover forced the closure of the SR 77 in both directions, from the U.S. 60 in Globe to State Route 177, the Arizona Department of Transportation said.

ADOT advised drivers to seek alternate routes.

— Joanna Jacobo Rivera

2:20 p.m. Wednesday: Another highway closed by crash

The Arizona Department of Transportation reports that a serious crash has forced the closure of State Route 82 near Sonoita. No estimates yet on when it will reopen.

2:05 p.m. Wednesday: Busy getaway? You bet. 1 million Arizonans are traveling

AAA Arizona says 1 million Arizonans will be traveling this holiday weekend. If you're driving, here's all you need to know to get to your destinations safely. This, as a gallon of gas is going for $4.17, cheaper than a month ago, but more than last Thanksgiving.

1:50 p.m. Wednesday: Accident on I-10 eastbound

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, there's a crash blocking the HOV and left lanes on the I-10 eastbound at 19th Ave.

11:30 a.m. Wednesday: I-10 reopens in Casa Grande

The Arizona Department of Public Safety has reopened westbound Interstate 10 near Casa Grande. Westbound lanes had been closed all morning after a crash with a pickup truck near milepost 186 killed a man, a baby boy and a 3-year-old girl.

11:20 a.m. Wednesday: Thanksgiving weekend weather forecast

You won’t have to worry about the heat this Thanksgiving because breezy and cool temperatures will continue into the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, temperatures will top out at around 70 degrees across the Valley.

Meteorologist Marvin Percha with the National Weather Service in Phoenix said, “Dry weather will prevail through the weekend with high temperatures in Phoenix in the upper 60s to lower 70s.”

Percha says the lowest temperatures will be in the lower to middle 40s.

“Northeast winds will gust 20-25 mph in parts of the metro during the day Thursday with light winds over the weekend,” said Percha.

According to the weather service, winds will continue through Thursday afternoon so take precautions if you don’t want your Thanksgiving meal flying away.

— Ayana Hamilton

10 a.m. Wednesday: Food, shops and services at Phoenix Sky Harbor Terminals 3 and 4

If you're new to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport or you haven't been there lately, it can be overwhelming to try to find your way around and get acquainted with what restaurants, retail and other services are available.

Here's a look at some of the restaurants, shops and services that passengers can look forward to in Sky Harbor's Terminal 3 and Terminal 4.

Restaurants that are open 24 hours:

  • Panera Bread: South concourse of Terminal 3

  • Zinc Brasserie Grab and Go: Low A gates in Terminal 4

  • Mission Grab and Go: High B gates in Terminal 4

  • Nocawich Express Grab and Go: Low C gates in Terminal 4

Here are shops passengers can go to:

  • Terminal 3 North Concourse: Discover Arizona, Stellar News & Market

  • Terminal 3 South Concourse: Best of the Valley Markey, Sol Shades, & Tech on the Go.

  • Terminal 4 A Gates: Brooks Brothers, Arizona Highways, & Trip Advisor

  • Terminal 4 B Gates: Azcentral.com, Cactus Candy, & Sonora Southwest Living

  • Terminal 4 C Gates: Connections, eSavvy, Tumi, & Today

  • Terminal 4 D Gates: Cactus Candy, Indigenous, & InMotion

Services passengers can check out:

  • Delta Sky Club: Terminal 3 South Concourse

  • USO lounge for military members and their families: Terminal 4 Pre-Security

  • American Airlines Admirals Club: Terminal 4 A Gates

  • Three lounges, a pet relief area and a nursing station: Terminal 4 B Gates

  • A pet relief area: Terminal 4 C & D Gates

— Michael Salerno

8 a.m. Wednesday: Crash closes State Route 77 near Globe

The Arizona Department of Transportation said it did not have an estimate for when State Route 77 would reopen after it was closed by an earlier crash near Globe.

7:30 a.m. Wednesday: I-10 Westbound closed in Casa Grande

The Arizona Department of Transportation reported that Interstate 10 was closed near State Route 387 in Casa Grande due to a fatal crash earlier. Traffic was being detoured at McCartney Road.

6 a.m. Wednesday: No planned road closures for Thanksgiving weekend

Most Arizona drivers traveling for the long Thanksgiving weekend will begin their trips on Wednesday, and luckily, for those driving to visit their loved ones, no road closures in Arizona are scheduled for the long weekend.

The Arizona Department of Transportation said no delays due to Arizona highway closures should be expected between Wednesday afternoon and Monday morning.

That does not mean drivers shouldn’t expect delays. According to AAA, the worst times to travel by road are between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, while the best times are before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m. And if you plan on heading out Thanksgiving Day, the best times to drive are before 11 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

ADOT gave the following tips for drivers to keep in mind as they prepare for their long drives:

  • Allow extra travel time, as crashes and other incidents may cause more traffic.

  • Pack an emergency kit that includes: drinking water, snacks, flashlight, blankets, warm clothes and first aid kit.

  • Make sure your vehicle’s maintenance is up to date.

  • Never drive while impaired.

  • Rest well before driving.

  • Wear your seatbelt and obey speed limits.

  • Slow down in existing work zones.

  • Check weather conditions.

Check highway conditions by visiting az511.gov or calling 511.

— Joanna Jacobo Rivera

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Thanksgiving in Arizona: Live coverage of traffic and weather