Weather Whiplash: A Weekly Peek into the Southwest’s Unpredictable Skyline
By
Amy Freeze
Explore the dynamic weather patterns of the Southwest from Salt Lake City’s clear nights to Phoenix’s intense heat. Get your full guide on what to expect and how to prepare!
Unwrap the mysteries of this week’s Southwest weather, from the sunny highs in big cities to the emerging showers along coastal California. Perfect for planning ahead!
Stay ahead of the weather game with our exhaustively detailed 7-day forecast for the Southwest. Whether you’re planning a night under the stars in Salt Lake City or preparing to face the heat in Phoenix, this article is your go-to guide for navigating the week’s weather changes. From unexpected rainfalls to scorching sunny days, understand what the high pressure systems and clear skies mean for you.
Read our detailed daily breakdown and expert insights to stay prepared. Don’t forget to check back for real-time updates as weather patterns develop.
The Southwest region radar shows clear skies dominating most areas, providing sunny conditions for cities like San Diego and Los Angeles. However, showers are currently impacting northern California near Redding and Reno, potentially bringing some cooling relief. Ely in Nevada looks clear for now, while Flagstaff is looking at a cloudy forecast with cool temperatures. Las Vegas and Phoenix remain dry amid the prevailing clear conditions.
This evening in Salt Lake City, temperatures will gradually decrease from 66 degrees at 9 PM to 57 degrees by 1 AM. Expect clear skies throughout the evening with a gentle north-northwesterly breeze at 9 mph shifting to an easterly wind at 8 mph by late night. Perfect weather for stargazers with crisp, clear skies.
Tonight, low temperatures in the Southwest will see some notable drops, particularly in Flagstaff, dropping to 45 degrees. Las Vegas will experience a milder night at 72 degrees, while Phoenix remains warm at 78. San Francisco will cool down to 51, and Fresno will have a low of 62. Expect a chilly night in Reno, checking in at 51 degrees.
Tomorrow in Phoenix, expect a high of 103 degrees, indicating a notably warmer trend for this time of year. Las Vegas will also feel the heat, reaching 96 degrees, while Bakersfield is on track for a high of 91 degrees. Temperatures in San Diego will be milder at 70 degrees. Further north, Fresno sees a warm 92 degrees, while San Francisco will remain significantly cooler at just 63 degrees. These above-average temperatures are influenced by high pressure dominating the region, leading to clear skies and plenty of sunshine.
A significant weather shift is anticipated for the Southwest tomorrow. Expect a calm and clear day for most of the desert regions, including parts of Arizona and Nevada. However, coastal and northern areas of California will face multiple rounds of rain, intensifying from Tuesday into Wednesday, particularly affecting Sacramento and surrounding valleys. This could result in slick roads and reduced visibility. Farthermore, be prepared for potential thunderstorms along the California coast.
In Salt Lake City, expect a very high UV index of 9 today, with a quick burn time of 15 minutes if you’re out in the sun. On Monday, the UV index will drop to 7, with a burn time of 20 minutes.
Here’s your structured 7-day forecast for Salt Lake City:
Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a high of 68 degrees and a low of 49 degrees.
Monday: Partly cloudy skies, warmer with a high of 78 degrees and a low of 56 degrees.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warm with a high of 83 degrees and a low of 58 degrees.
Wednesday: Clear skies and delightful warmth, hitting a high of 86 degrees and a low of 60 degrees.
Thursday: Mostly clear with temperatures rising to a high of 94 degrees and a low of 66 degrees.
Friday: Mostly clear and hot, with a peak temperature of 96 degrees and a low of 67 degrees.
Saturday: Clear skies with a high of 95 degrees and a low of 65 degrees.