Southwest Sunshine & Chill: Salt Lake City’s Weather Wonders
By
Amy Freeze
Dive into a sunny afternoon in Salt Lake City with a forecast that flips from gusty winds to sunny climbs. Catch all the highs and lows from across the Southwest, and prepare for what's next!
Today in Salt Lake City: sunny with a high UV index, and a cool evening ahead. Read on for this week’s full temperature trends and weather tips.
Welcome to your detailed weather forecast for Salt Lake City and beyond. This week, expect a variety of conditions from sunny spells to cooler nights across the Southwest. Starting with a clear afternoon in Salt Lake City, temperatures gently rise under mostly sunny skies, while Phoenix braces for extreme heat. Tonight, watch for dipping temperatures especially in Flagstaff and Ely. And don’t miss what the high-pressure system spells out for tomorrow—more sunny and dry conditions. Stay updated with our daily and weekly forecasts, regional insights, and tips for weathering any temperature.
A strong reinforcing cold front has moved through with gusty northwest winds and much colder air across the intermountain west. Additionally, this will result in the development of some showers across northern Utah overnight. After a cold Summer day today, a gradual warmup takes place through the next week.Flagstaff remains dry under partly cloudy skies, while Fresno and Los Angeles bask in completely clear conditions.
Salt Lake City this afternoon sees temperatures climbing from 62 degrees at 4 PM to 66 degrees by 8 PM. Mostly sunny skies dominate earlier in the afternoon, transitioning to clear conditions later on. Expect a gentle breeze from the northwest at around 9 to 10 miles per hour throughout the afternoon.
Today’s high temperatures in the Southwest are making quite an impact. Las Vegas reaches a sizzling 90 degrees, while nearby Phoenix skyrockets to 100 degrees, showcasing the intense heat in the region. Farther west in Los Angeles, expect a cooler high of 74 degrees, creating a stark contrast with the desert heat. In California’s Central Valley, Fresno and Bakersfield both hit 87 degrees, maintaining warmth but not quite matching the sweltering Phoenix. San Diego remains mild at 73 degrees, benefiting from coastal breezes while the inland areas grapple with the heat.
Tonight in the Southwest, Flagstaff will see chilly temperatures dropping to 45 degrees. Ely is expected to be even cooler at 40 degrees, marking a notable dip for the area. Las Vegas will remain relatively warm at 72 degrees, while San Diego cools down to 57 degrees. In Los Angeles, temperatures will settle at 55 degrees, indicating a drop from previous nights.
Tomorrow in Phoenix, expect a scorching high of 103 degrees, significantly above average for this time of year. Las Vegas will also see the heat, with temperatures reaching 96 degrees. In Bakersfield, Calif., the high is anticipated to hit 91 degrees, while Fresno will warm up to 92. Farther west, San Diego will experience a milder day with a high of 70 degrees, offering a cooler contrast.
A high-pressure system remains dominant over the region, ensuring sunny and dry conditions tomorrow for most of the Southwest. In the afternoon, temperatures will rise into the mid-90s across Arizona and Southern California, providing ideal weather for outdoor activities. However, coastal areas in Southern California may experience overcast skies with possible light drizzle as a marine layer moves inland overnight. Winds could pick up along the desert edges, so travelers should stay ready for occasional gusts.
For Salt Lake City today, expect a very high UV index of 9, with sun exposure potentially causing burns in about 15 minutes. Prepare for Monday’s slightly lower index of 8, where burn time is around 17 minutes.