Meteorologist Amy Freeze explains the shifting skies over Salt Lake City with a look ahead at the upcoming week’s forecast, including temperature changes and weather advisories.

Welcome to your weather update from Salt Lake City brought to you by seasoned meteorologist Amy Freeze. Today, we’re examining an evolving storm system and the stunning clear conditions impacting the Southwest. With a focus on regional forecasts, upcoming temperature shifts, and safety recommendations, this blog not only keeps you informed but also prepares you for any weather eventuality. On the regional radar, the Southwest is mostly calm with a strong storm system affecting northern Utah. Cedar City is seeing a mix of precipitation, while Salt Lake City experiences heavy snow. The major urban centers like Las Vegas and Los Angeles are cloud-free and enjoy clear conditions. San Francisco and San Diego also remain unaffected by any precipitation at this time.
Salt Lake City will experience cloudy skies this afternoon with temperatures reaching 70 degrees by 5 PM. Winds will shift, starting from the south-southwest at 8 miles per hour, then transitioning to the west-northwest at 7 miles per hour by mid-afternoon. By 7 PM, expect a northwest breeze at 9 miles per hour, with temperatures slightly dropping to 68 degrees.
In the Southwest today, temperatures are heating up nicely. Phoenix is leading the pack with a high of 91 degrees, while Las Vegas isn’t far behind at 87. Bakersfield enjoys a warm afternoon with a high of 79 degrees, and Fresno follows closely at 76. On the coast, San Diego cools things down with a high of 65 degrees, accompanied by Los Angeles also at 65. San Francisco is much cooler at just 57 degrees, showcasing a significant contrast with the desert heat.
Flagstaff will see a low of 35 degrees, closely followed by Ely at 36. Las Vegas is expected to cool down to 62 degrees, while Los Angeles will have a low of 52. In the Central Valley, Bakersfield will drop to 51 degrees, and Fresno is forecasted to hit 50. Expect warmer conditions in the coastal areas with San Diego at 53, but noticeable cooling inland.
Phoenix will see a sizzling high of 93 degrees, while Las Vegas is set to reach 84 degrees. In California, temperatures will also warm up with Bakersfield hitting 72 degrees and Los Angeles at 61 degrees. San Diego will enjoy a pleasant 63 degrees. Areas like Fresno will trend higher at 69 degrees, influenced by a strong high-pressure system moving through the region.
A cold front is set to progress across the Southwest, bringing a significant shift in weather conditions for the region. Expect increasing cloud cover and scattered thunderstorms beginning in Arizona by late afternoon, advancing towards New Mexico by evening. Gusty winds and isolated severe thunderstorms could pose a risk for localized flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Behind this front, a cooler air mass will stabilize temperatures, dropping them by 5 to 10 degrees through Thursday.
The UV index for Salt Lake City jumps to a high of 7 today, with a burn time of around 20 minutes. Despite the possibility of rain, sun protection is crucial. Tomorrow, the index drops to 6, with sunshine returning for a burn time of approximately 23 minutes.