Summer Scorcher: Navigating the Heat and Enjoying the Sun in the Southwest
By
Amy Freeze
From sizzling temperatures in Phoenix to breezy evenings in Salt Lake City, get the full weather rundown and tips on staying cool and safe this summer.
As the first day of summer 2025 ushers in high temperatures across the Southwest, Salt Lake City prepares for a sunny and active season. Stay updated with the latest weather predictions and safety tips.
Welcome to the summer of 2025 across the Southwest! This season marks a period of extreme temperatures and clear skies for regions like Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Today in Salt Lake City, temperatures will reach up to 95 degrees, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts but a reminder to stay hydrated and sun-protected. The UV index remains high, suggesting minimal exposure to avoid sunburn. Moreover, Phoenix will experience up to 109 degrees, emphasizing the need for preparedness in extreme heat. Read on for our 7-day detailed forecast and practical tips to enjoy and stay safe during the hot summer days.
Clouds are sweeping across northern Utah, Along the northern corridor, Salt Lake City sees light showers moving southeast. The overall weather pattern remains mostly clear towards southern regions, while clouds push into central Nevada. Southern California, including Los Angeles and San Diego, enjoys dry conditions under clear skies this first day of summer.
Salt Lake City this afternoon will see temperatures climbing to 95 degrees by 6 PM with clear sunny skies. Winds will rise from the southwest at 18 miles per hour, increasing to 21 miles per hour by evening, bringing a breezy shift later on. It’s a sun-filled day, perfect for outdoor activities, but keep hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
Today in the Southwest, the heat is on with Phoenix hitting a sizzling 109 degrees, while Las Vegas follows closely at 105. In California, Los Angeles enjoys a more moderate high of 75, but Bakersfield escalates to a warm 90. San Francisco remains cooler at 64 degrees, highlighting a sharp contrast with the inland temperatures. Flagstaff reaches a pleasant 83 degrees, ideal for outdoor activities.
Tonight in the Southwest, Ely is experiencing a significant drop to 28 degrees, making it the coldest spot in the region. Las Vegas will see a low of 70 degrees, while Flagstaff is expected to cool down to 49. In contrast, Phoenix will remain much warmer at 78 degrees, maintaining their mild conditions compared to other areas.
Tomorrow in Phoenix, expect a scorching high of 106 degrees, significantly above average for this time of year. Las Vegas will also see notable heat, with temperatures soaring to 98 degrees. As we move west, Bakersfield and Fresno are both projected to reach 82 degrees, while San Diego stays cooler at 69 degrees. The high in Los Angeles will hit 73 degrees.
Expect an active weather pattern for the Southwest tomorrow. A potent system will deliver scattered thunderstorms across Arizona and New Mexico, with a slight risk of severe weather, including hail and localized strong winds. The front will shift east by late evening, bringing cooler temperatures into the low 70s for the region. In Southern California, anticipate mostly clear skies but be prepared for gusty afternoon winds, particularly over the mountains.
The UV index in Salt Lake City is at a high of 9 on both Friday and Saturday, meaning you could experience a sunburn in just 15 minutes of direct sun exposure.