Phoenix Heats Up: Your Meteorologist’s Guide to a Sizzling Forecast
By
Amy Freeze
As Phoenix prepares for another heat spike, Meteorologist Amy Freeze provides an in-depth look at the conditions to expect in the Southwest, including unusual snow and rain patterns affecting nearby regions.
Get ready for a hot week in Phoenix with temperatures soaring over 100 degrees, while Amy Freeze takes you through the diverse weather patterns impacting the greater Southwest. Detailed forecasts inside!
This in-depth blog post provides daily weather forecasts and analyses for Phoenix and the surrounding Southwest regions. From sunny highs to stormy possibilities, find out what’s behind this weather phenomenon, tips on staying safe, and a day-by-day breakdown as your guide to staying informed and prepared.
Over the Southwest region, the radar reveals a fascinating mix of weather conditions. Showers are moving in from the Pacific Ocean, bringing much-needed rain along the California coastline. As this system moves inland, it is delivering rain across the central California Valleys and bringing snow to the Sierra Nevada. Higher elevations are seeing the bulk of the snow, particularly near areas like Reno and Ely. The possibility of strong winds accompanies this winter weather system, especially in mountainous areas.
Down in Southern California, Los Angeles and San Diego are experiencing more mild conditions with only light drizzle expected. Moving eastward, the radar shows Flagstaff is prepared for a chill, potentially receiving some light snow showers.
Las Vegas appears to be on the dry side of the system, avoiding the precipitation impacting areas farther west and north. Meanwhile, the regions to the east, including Phoenix, are staying dry for now. This dynamic weather system is offering a mix of relief and challenges as it moves through the Southwest.
This evening in Phoenix, the weather will hold steady with a sunny start and temperatures around 97 degrees at 9 PM. As we move into the night, temperatures will gradually drop to 91 degrees by 11 PM. Winds from the west start at 7 mph and decrease to 5 mph as the evening progresses, ensuring a calm night. By 1 AM, the sky will become mostly clear with a temperature of 84 degrees and a gentle 4 mph breeze from the west.
Ely will drop to 41 degrees, while Flagstaff can anticipate a brisk low of 41 as well. Las Vegas remains warmer at 70 degrees, but will experience a significant drop by morning. Phoenix is looking at a more mild low of 68 degrees, still on the warmer side for the region. San Francisco will see a low of 46, while Fresno will cool down to 54.
Here’s the regional high temperature rundown for the Southwest this Friday:
Phoenix will experience a rapid rise, hitting 101 degrees, making it one of the hottest spots in the region.
Las Vegas is expected to soar to a scorching 97 degrees, well above the seasonal average. In nearby Ely, temperatures will be more mild, reaching 76 degrees.
Los Angeles enjoys a pleasant day with highs around 80 degrees, while farther north in San Francisco, temperatures will be cooler at 64 degrees. Bakersfield is set to warm up to a notable 86 degrees.
As we look into the futurecast for the Southwest, expect a clear and sunny stretch across inland regions while the coast braces for change. Beginning Thursday, Northern California will see repeated bouts of valley rain. For Southern California, the San Bernardino Valley braces for another wave of showers with potential for heavy rain.
In Phoenix, the Thursday and Friday forecast indicates a very high UV index of 8, which means the sun’s rays are particularly intense. The expected burn time in direct sunlight is just 17 minutes, so it’s crucial to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade during peak sun hours to protect your skin.
For the 7 Day Outlook in Phoenix:
Thursday: Expect clear skies with the mercury rising to 100 degrees, and cooling to 68 at night.
Friday: Another clear day, temperatures peaking at 101 degrees with a comfortable low of 69 degrees.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with highs reaching 101 degrees and the lows settling at 71 degrees.
Sunday: Clouds early, clearing later with a high of 94 degrees and a low of 70.
Monday: Partly cloudy with a warming trend, a high of 97 degrees, and cooling to 68 degrees overnight.
Tuesday: Clear skies with temperatures maxing out at 92 degrees, the low at 66.
Wednesday: Mostly clear, expect highs around 95 degrees, cooling once again to 68 degrees at night.
Enjoy the sunshine, Phoenix!