More rain forecast this weekend for metro Phoenix, threatens Phoenix Open
The WM Phoenix Open is also called “The People’s Open” for the raucous energy it provides, but precipitation rained on the parade of the opening round Thursday.
A rain delay on the first day of the tournament sets an ominous tone for the rest of the weekend, especially when there is no guarantee that the weather will improve. Chances for rain were between 50% and 70% Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
Hole 16 is known as “the loudest hole in golf” for its unique coliseum atmosphere on the PGA Tour, but a three-and-a-half hour rain delay chased away many spectators, leaving sections of empty seats in the aftermath. The fans that persevered through the suspension of play still made their presence felt, but Shane Lowry could sense the difference of camaraderie at TPC Scottsdale.
“If anything, it’s more disappointing to me because the atmosphere is not as good as it normally is, with everyone being so cold and wrapped up,” Lowry said. “I’m sure there’s less drinks being taken out there as well, because it’s not exactly nice weather to have a cold beer in your hands. Yeah, it’s one of those where you just have to deal with whatever comes. I think the weather’s going to be nice tomorrow, not great Saturday, and nice again on Sunday. So it will still be cold all week. We’ll see what happens.”
Separately, the Arizona Department of Transportation said after closures on Thursday due to snow, most northern Arizona highways have reopened. Part of State Route 64 east of the Grand Canyon National Park remains closed.
Metro Phoenix forecast from National Weather Service
- Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 59.
- Friday night: A 50% chance of showers, mainly after 1 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 45. Calm wind. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
- Saturday: Chance of precipitation is 70%, mainly before 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
- Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 61. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
- Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 64. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
- Monday night: Clear, with a low around 41. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming east northeast after midnight.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 67. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
- Tuesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Calm wind becoming east northeast around 5 mph after midnight.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 71. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
- Wednesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming east northeast after midnight.
- Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 74. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming north in the afternoon.
