Near-perfect weather should grace the FBR Open once play begins. But the preliminary events may be in for a chilly soaking.
Today’s forecast for Scottsdale predicts a 50 percent chance of rain accompanied by a high of 55 degrees. That would provide soggy conditions for the FBR/Xerox Silver Pro-Am, which starts on the TPC Stadium Course at 8:30 a.m.
But the threat of precipitation should end Thursday morning, just in time for tee off of the PGA’s most popular tournament. And once the skies clear by Friday, above-average temperatures are expected through the weekend.
Scattered light showers started falling early Tuesday. By sunset, the Maricopa County Flood Control District was reporting downtown Scottsdale had received 0.19 inches while Apache Junction and north Scottsdale got 0.12 inches.
Phoenix’s official gauge had received 0.02 inches while traces were reported in Mesa.
The daytime high topped out at 60 degrees, nine below normal and 15 less than provided by Monday’s balmy weather.
Two weather systems merging over Arizona are responsible for the rain.
The first is a cut-off low along the Southern California coast, creeping eastward, that has sent into Arizona thick and low clouds. Coming from the northwest is another winter storm, and once they collide early this morning that will produce the best chance of showers and coldest temperatures of the week.
In Arizona’s higher elevations, predictions call for up to 10 inches of new snow by the time these systems pass. Near the Valley, the snow level is expected to drop to 5,000 feet by tonight, with a 2-inch accumulation predicted.
