Arizonans hitting the road as AAA predicts record-high Memorial Day weekend travel
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Arizonans aren't expected to let sky-high gas prices get in the way of their Memorial Day weekend plans.
Why it matters: With gas pushing an average of $4.82 per gallon — about 25 cents higher than the national average, per AAA — your long-weekend road trip will cost a lot more than it did last year.
- The average then was about $3.20 per gallon.
State of play: More than 970,000 Arizonans are projected to travel at least 50 miles during Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA.
- About 850,000 of them are expected to drive.
The big picture: We're not the only ones expected to hit the road — AAA predicted that a record 45 million Americans will travel for Memorial Day weekend, with 39.1 million driving to their destinations.
- Memorial Day is a guaranteed day off, even for people who don't get much vacation time, "so they're gonna take full advantage and travel with their families," AAA Mountain West Group spokesperson Doug Johnson said in a video earlier this month.
Good news: There are no scheduled state highway closures this weekend, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Be smart: Nothing can suck the fun out of a holiday weekend faster than unexpected traffic jams.
- The best times to travel Friday and Saturday are before 11am and before 10am on Monday, per AAA.
- Traffic should be minimal Sunday.
Temperatures have been creeping up all week and are expected to be near triple digits in the Valley this weekend, making it a good time to get out of town.
- Yes, but: Northern and eastern Arizona could see rain on Memorial Day.
If you're staying put this weekend, you can still find ways to beat the heat.
🌊 Take a dip: Public pools across the Valley open for the season this weekend, including in Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Peoria and Gilbert.
🎖️ Remember the fallen: Don't forget the reason for the day — there are Memorial Day observances across the Valley on Monday.