The National Weather Service is forecasting another round of weekend storms in store as we close out 2016 and welcome 2017 over the New Year’s weekend.

The first storm will move into the area today, with rain showers increasing from west to east during the late afternoon and evening.

The forecast for the Valley and Fountain Hills calls for rain to begin today and increase over the weekend. The rain chance continues into early next week.

Any outdoor New Year’s celebrations will see some accompanying rain drops and puddles. Snow levels with these systems will stay mostly above 6,000 feet, so accumulating snowfall will be most likely across northern Arizona and the Mogollon Rim.

Driving conditions throughout the weekend may be impacts from wet/slick roadways littered with puddles and ponded water along with some visibility issues in the rain and mist/fog.

Much cooler daytime temperatures are predicted through the first week of the new year.