Meteorologist Amy Freeze gives you a quick snapshot of the contrasting weather patterns across the Southwest. Clear starry skies in Salt Lake City meet the intense heat of Las Vegas.

This week in the Southwest, enjoy clear starry nights in Salt Lake City while facing sizzling highs across desert cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix. We delve into regional temperature contrasts, expected precipitation in coastal California, and tips to cope with the rising UV index. Don’t miss our full 7-day forecast to help you plan your week!
Rain showers are currently sweeping across the coastal regions of California from San Francisco down to Los Angeles, providing some welcomed moisture. Fresno and Bakersfield are experiencing overcast conditions with light rain, which is beneficial for this typically dry area. Las Vegas and Cedar City remain clear and dry, with no precipitation expected. Phoenix enjoys clear skies while Flagstaff is seeing some clouds.
This evening in Salt Lake City, the skies will remain clear, offering a view of the stars. Temperatures start at 87 degrees at 9 PM, cooling to 81 by 11 PM, and reaching 74 degrees by 1 AM. Winds are gentle, shifting from northwest at 8 mph early in the evening to north-northeast at 6 mph, then east at 7 mph later tonight.
Tonight Los Angeles will dip to 63 degrees, while San Diego stays steady at the same low. Las Vegas cools down to 82 degrees, a significant drop from earlier in the day. Flagstaff is expected to see 51 degrees, providing a brisk start tomorrow. In Ely, temperatures will drop to a cool 50 degrees.
High temperatures in the Southwest for tomorrow will soar above average. Las Vegas is set to reach 106 degrees, while Phoenix will hit 101. Bakersfield is expected to be even warmer at 107 degrees, reflecting a strong sun-driven heat pattern. In contrast, coastal San Diego will enjoy a mild 79 degrees, and San Francisco will remain cooler at 69. Ely will also see pleasant conditions with a high of 87 degrees.
In the Southwest tomorrow, anticipate clear skies and warm temperatures dominating the desert regions. Areas in Southern California, including the San Bernardino Valley, could see scattered showers in the afternoon with brief heavy rain. Coastal regions remain cloudy but mostly dry, while inland heat builds through the day. Expect gusty winds near mountain passes which may affect travel conditions. Farther north, the Sierra Nevada could experience sporadic afternoon thunderstorms with small hail possible.
The UV index in Salt Lake City is expected to be high at 8 for both Friday and Saturday, with a potential burn time of just 17 minutes in direct sunlight.
For the 7 day forecast in Salt Lake City: Friday: Mostly clear skies with a warm high of 90 degrees and a low of 63. Saturday: Clear and sunny, reaching a high of 92 degrees with a low of 65. Sunday: Expect cloudy conditions with temperatures peaking at 93 degrees and dipping to 66 at night. Monday: Partly cloudy with a high of 79 degrees and a low of 56. Tuesday: Mostly clear skies, with temperatures climbing to 78 degrees during the day and falling to 55 at night. Wednesday: Another mostly clear day with a high of 79 degrees and a low of 57. Thursday: Ending the week sunny with a high of 82 degrees and a low of 60.