Clear Skies and Rising Temps: Navigating the Southwest’s Weather with Amy Freeze
By
Amy Freeze
Join Amy Freeze as she guides you through the varied climate of the Southwest - from serene clear skies in Salt Lake City to the awaited rains along the Northern California coast.
Meteorologist Amy Freeze provides an insightful overview of the varied weather across the Southwest, from cool breezes to high temperatures. Stay informed and prepared!
Complete with a detailed day-by-day weather review, Meteorologist Amy Freeze takes you through the dynamic changes affecting the Southwest. Read on to know how this forecast impacts your daily plans from city to city.
The Southwest is experiencing a variety of weather conditions today.
For Cedar City, cloud cover is expected, but precipitation is not currently impacting the area.
The Regional Radar indicates that light showers are moving inland from the Pacific Ocean, providing much-needed moisture for Northern California’s coastline, from Redding down to San Francisco. These showers extend into the central valleys, bringing rain to areas like Fresno and Bakersfield, with no snow expected in these regions.
Farther southeast, Las Vegas remains dry with clear skies, while Ely in Nevada has calm weather conditions. In contrast, Flagstaff is preparing for some light snow showers, adding to the wintery feel of the mountainous area. Phoenix is basking in dry and mild weather, a typical spring day in the desert.
The Pacific’s influence is leaving a mixture of wet conditions along the coast and dry intervals farther inland as the system progresses east. San Diego and Los Angeles are enjoying mostly dry skies with only a light drizzle in some areas of the Southland, keeping it another mild evening in Southern California.
Beginning your day in Salt Lake City, temperatures will start at 55 degrees by 8 AM with clear skies and a southeast wind at 9 miles per hour. By 10 AM, the temperature will rise to 57 degrees under sunny conditions, with the wind swinging slightly to the east-southeast but maintaining at 9 miles per hour. As you head toward midday, expect the temperature to climb farther to 66 degrees with continued sunshine, while the wind shifts back to the southeast at 8 miles per hour.
High temperatures in the Southwest for Friday are projected to be well above average across the region.
In Southern California, San Diego will enjoy a high of 78 degrees, while Los Angeles warms up to 80 degrees. Bakersfield will see a significant jump with a high of 86 degrees.
As we move inland, Las Vegas is expected to reach a sweltering 97 degrees, and further east, in Phoenix, temperatures will soar to 101 degrees. Ely, Nevada, will experience a milder day with a high of 76 degrees.
Across the region, these warm temperatures are being driven by a robust high-pressure system creating sunny conditions. Overall, residents should brace for a warm day ahead as we slide deeper into spring.
Sunny and clear conditions continue in the desert Southwest, offering a respite from any severe weather. However, farther north in California, expect increasing cloud cover as a series of fronts bring valley rain starting tomorrow. Northern California will see the heaviest precipitation with slick conditions likely, especially in higher elevations such as the Sierra Nevada. Be mindful of potential travel disruptions along mountain passes due to rain and possible local flooding in low-lying areas. Adjust travel plans accordingly and stay updated on local advisories.
The UV index in Salt Lake City is moderate at 6 for both Thursday and Friday. This indicates a burn time of approximately 23 minutes when exposed to direct sunlight.
Thursday: Mostly clear with a high reaching 82 degrees and a low of 57.
Friday: Cloudy skies set in, with temperatures reaching up to 74 degrees and cooling to 46 at night.
Saturday: Partly cloudy conditions, cooler with a high of 59 degrees and a low of 39.
Sunday: Clear skies brighten the day with a high of 69 degrees and a low of 46.
Monday: Mostly clear weather continues, warming to a high of 71 degrees and a nighttime low of 51.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy, slightly warmer with highs around 75 degrees and lows near 51.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy with temperatures peaking at 67 degrees and a low of 47.
Enjoy your week and stay safe!