Southwest Weather Spectrum: From Sunny Skies to Storm Alerts
By
Amy Freeze
Meteorologist Amy Freeze provides an in-depth look at the swiftly changing weather conditions across the Southwest, including temperature trends and storm updates.
Catch the latest weather forecast for Salt Lake City and the Southwest, with insights from meteorologist Amy Freeze. Explore the temperature shifts and expected weather conditions for the upcoming days.
Greetings from your favorite meteorologist, Amy Freeze, here with a detailed forecast for Salt Lake City and the broader Southwest region. From overcast skies and cool temperatures to rain showers moving across the area, find out what to expect. We’re also tracking temperatures ranging from cool 45 degrees to a warm 89 degrees in various cities. Don’t miss out on my full analysis of what these changes mean for you and how to best prepare for the week ahead!
In the Southwest region, the current radar indicates a mix of weather conditions. The Wasatch Front is overcast and Salt Lake City is also seeing some cloud cover. Flagstaff and Ely are experiencing rain showers, with precipitation moving southeast towards Phoenix and Cedar City. Las Vegas is clouded over which is keeping temperatures down. Along the California coast, from San Francisco down to Los Angeles, conditions remain clear with no current rain in sight.
Temperatures in Salt Lake City this afternoon will start at 60 degrees, dropping to 58 degrees by 6 PM. Expect scattered thunderstorms with winds from the west at 10 miles per hour. Rain is likely to intensify later, and as we approach 8 PM, temperatures will settle around 56 degrees with continued showers. Winds will shift to the north-northwest at 10 miles per hour, bringing a steady pattern into the evening.
Afternoon temperatures are heating up across the Southwest today. In Phoenix, expect a high of 70 degrees, while Las Vegas will see a warmer 66. Heading into California, Bakersfield will reach a comfortable 84 degrees, and Fresno is slightly cooler at 83. San Diego is on the mild side with a high of 64 degrees, contrasting sharply with Redding, which will soar to 89. Flagstaff will remain quite cool at just 45 degrees, creating notable regional temperature variations.
Tonight Flagstaff is expected to see a low of 34 degrees, while Ely plunges to a chilly 28. Las Vegas will be relatively warmer at 61 degrees. Phoenix will cool down to around 62, and further west, Los Angeles will settle at 56 degrees. Expect areas in the higher elevations to experience the most significant drops as we head into the early morning hours.
High temperatures in the Southwest tomorrow are significantly above average, with several cities seeing summer-like conditions. Bakersfield will reach a sizzling 88 degrees, while Fresno is set to hit 87. Los Angeles will enjoy a pleasant day with a high of 65 degrees, but further inland, Las Vegas warms up to 77. In San Diego, temperatures will be mild at 66 degrees. Phoenix rounds out the forecast with a warm high of 71 degrees, as the region experiences high pressure leading to clear skies and warmer temperatures.
A wave of scattered thunderstorms is expected to move through the Southwest, bringing brief periods of heavy rain from northern Arizona into Utah by late afternoon. Temperatures will remain warm, with highs reaching the mid-80s in coastal regions of Southern California and potentially cooler conditions inland due to cloud cover. Watch for locally strong winds accompanying these storms, particularly over higher elevations. By late evening into tomorrow, the weather clears for Arizona, while lingering showers may persist in California’s northern valleys, slightly reducing temperatures. Stay weather aware for potential rapid changes, especially near mountainous areas prone to flash flooding.
The UV index in Salt Lake City will be low on Monday with a value of 3, which is not significant for sunburn risk due to cloud cover. On Tuesday, the UV index increases to 5, with potential sun exposure risks and a burn time of 27 minutes.