Phoenix Feels the Burn: A Detailed Look at the Southwest Heatwave
By
Amy Freeze
As temperatures reach triple digits, Phoenix and the Southwest are undergoing a significant heatwave. Explore what lies ahead with insights from Meteorologist Amy Freeze.
Meteorologist Amy Freeze provides a thorough update on Phoenix’s scorching temperatures and the broader Southwest’s weather. Stay informed as this heatwave continues.
With clear skies and sun dominating, Phoenix is currently experiencing a brutal heatwave, with temperatures soaring beyond 100 degrees. Meteorologist Amy Freeze covers the current weather dynamics across the Southwest, including temperature trends and safety tips during this extreme heat. For a week-long outlook and more, visit our comprehensive blog post.
In the Southwest, the regional radar shows rain showers pushing into the Central Valley, notably around Fresno. Coastal regions, such as San Francisco and San Diego, are mostly dry with some cloud cover leading to overcast skies. Las Vegas remains under clear conditions, offering a bright day in the desert. Flagstaff is on the edge of rain, with potential light snow mixing in, bringing a chill to the area.
Temperatures in Phoenix this afternoon soar to 99 degrees by 4 PM, climbing to 101 by 6 PM and maintaining that through 8 PM. Expect a sunny sky throughout the afternoon. Winds from the east-southeast will be gentle, peaking at 11 mph early, then calming to 9 mph by evening.
In the Southwest today, we’re seeing some sweltering temperatures. Phoenix tops out at a sizzling 103 degrees, while Las Vegas isn’t far behind with a high of 99. Over in Bakersfield, residents can expect a scorching 103 as well. San Diego enjoys a mild 87 degrees, and coastal breezes keep San Francisco cool at 70. Flagstaff sees a high of just 75 degrees.
Tonight in the Southwest, expect lows of 45 degrees in Flagstaff and 49 in Redding and Reno. Las Vegas will cool down to 74, a mild evening, while Bakersfield sees a low of 57. Temperatures in Los Angeles will be around 59, and San Francisco will rest at 53 degrees.
The high temperatures for the Southwest tomorrow are notably above average. Phoenix will see a scorching high of 104 degrees, while Las Vegas is expected to reach 99 degrees. Bakersfield is also forecasted to warm up to 94 degrees, contributing to the trend of elevated temperatures in the region. San Diego will enjoy a milder day with a high of 81 degrees, providing some relief along the coast.
A high-pressure system will maintain sunny and dry conditions across much of the Southwest tomorrow. Northern California will experience scattered rainfall, with the possibility of heavier bursts in coastal areas. Expect cooler temperatures from the Bay Area to the Sierra Nevada due to cloud cover and showers. The southern desert regions, including Arizona and Southern Nevada, remain warm with clear skies and no precipitation expected.
The UV index in Phoenix is at a very high level of 10 both Saturday and Sunday, with sun exposure risks leading to potential burns in as little as 12 minutes without protection.