From Sunbathing to Umbrellas: Phoenix’s Dynamic Weather Explained
By
Amy Freeze
Discover how the Phoenix area shifts from clear sunny skies to storm warnings with our detailed weather breakdown. Stay informed and prepared with expert insights from meteorologist Amy Freeze.
Phoenix is set for a weather rollercoaster! From sunny highs of 95 degrees to stormy lows and warnings, get your full weather guide with Amy Freeze.
Welcome to your detailed Phoenix and Southwest weather forecast, expertly provided by meteorologist Amy Freeze. This week, Phoenix enjoys the sun with highs touching 93 degrees but brace for a shift as storms bring heavy rainfall and cooler temperatures by the weekend. Detailed forecasts include daily temperatures, storm warnings, and safety tips. Visit our full blog post for comprehensive weather insights and tips on how to stay prepared.
The Southwest radar showcases a variety of weather conditions today. Rain showers are moving into San Francisco, providing much-needed moisture, while snow is falling in the higher elevations near Salt Lake City. Ely is experiencing mixed precipitation, a telltale sign of changing conditions as we shift seasons. Las Vegas is seeing clear skies as the weather system bypasses the area, but Fresno and Bakersfield are in the path of approaching rain. Flagstaff remains chilly with cloud cover, anticipating potential light snow later in the day.
Sunny skies dominate the afternoon hours in Phoenix, with temperatures starting at 88 degrees at 4 PM and rising to 92 degrees by 8 PM. Winds remain light and moderately variable, shifting from the west-southwest at 5 mph to west-northwest at 7 mph.
In the Southwest today, we’re seeing some significant temperature variations. Phoenix is leading the way with a high of 93 degrees, while Las Vegas follows closely behind at 91. Bakersfield reaches a warm 89 degrees, and Fresno isn’t far off with a high of 87. Meanwhile, San Diego experiences a milder day at 67 degrees, offering a nice contrast to the warmer inland temps. Coastal areas like San Francisco remain cooler at just 60 degrees, as the marine layer keeps temperatures down.
Low temperatures tonight across the Southwest are dipping into the chilly range, particularly in the higher elevations. Flagstaff will see a brisk low of 37 degrees, while Ely is expected to drop to 38. Las Vegas remains relatively warmer at 62 degrees, but nearby Cedar City will cool to 44. In California, San Francisco will settle at 50 degrees, with Fresno not far behind at 51. Expect Los Angeles and San Diego to stay milder, both at 54 degrees overnight.
Tomorrow’s high temperatures in the Southwest are expected to be quite warm for this time of year. Phoenix will soar to a blistering 95 degrees, while Las Vegas follows closely behind at 86 degrees. Further west, Bakersfield will reach 74 degrees, and Fresno is set for a pleasant 72 degrees. Coastal areas such as Los Angeles and San Diego will be cooler, with highs of 63 and 64 degrees, respectively.
A strong Pacific storm system is moving into the Southwest, bringing significant rainfall and potential thunderstorms from San Diego to Phoenix through Saturday. Expect heavy rain in southern California, especially over coastal areas, which may result in localized flooding and slippery roads. As the system moves eastward, Arizona and New Mexico will also experience increasing cloud cover and rain chances. Temperatures across the region will be cooler than average, with highs in the mid-60s to low-70s in central Arizona. Winds will pick up as well, creating gusty conditions particularly along high terrain and passes.
Phoenix is expecting a very high UV index of 9 today, with a burn time of just 15 minutes in direct sunlight. On Saturday, the UV index remains at 9, continuing the trend of short burn times around 15 minutes.