From Sun to Snow: A Comprehensive Weather Guide for the Southwest by Amy Freeze
By
Amy Freeze
Dive into an in-depth analysis of the fluctuating weather conditions across the Southwest, including a detailed forecast for Salt Lake City. From sunny skies to frosty nights, Meteorologist Amy Freeze covers it all!
Stay ahead of the weather with Amy Freeze’s insights! From unexpected snowfall in the Sierra Nevada to breezy conditions in Southern California, know what the weather holds for the Southwest.
Join Amy Freeze as she navigates through the varied climate of the Southwest region, from sunny days in Phoenix to chilly nights in Flagstaff. Understand the meteorological dynamics as Amy breaks down temperature highs and lows throughout the region, highlights from regional radar, and the seven-day outlook for major cities like Salt Lake City.
On the Regional Radar, the Southwest is experiencing a variety of weather conditions today. In Salt Lake City, the skies are clear for now. There’s cloud cover heading over from Cedar City. A line of rain showers is moving inland, affecting the Los Angeles area and offering some relief from dry conditions. As we look northward, Fresno is seeing a mix of rain and lighter showers extending towards the higher elevations. In these elevated spots, snow is coming down, particularly impacting the Sierra Nevada region.
Phoenix has cloud cover is present, meanwhile, Flagstaff is seeing a chilly day with the potential for light snow showers later on.
This afternoon in Salt Lake City, the sun will be shining bright with temperatures rising to 74 degrees around 5 PM. Expect a light southwest wind at 3 PM, shifting to west-southwest at 7 miles per hour by late afternoon, before calming to a gentle northwest breeze at 6 miles per hour towards 7 PM. The clear skies will continue to offer a beautiful view of the Wasatch Range, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities.
“Let’s take a look at today’s high temperatures across the Southwest. It’s a sizzling 91 degrees in Las Vegas, setting the tone for a warm day ahead. Heading south, Phoenix is even hotter with a high of 93 degrees, making it one of the hottest spots in the region. Slightly cooler, we see San Diego with a high of 62 degrees and Los Angeles at 63, where coastal breezes keep temperatures mild. In the high desert, Flagstaff rounds things out with a high of 68. ”
Tonight in the Southwest, we’re expecting some chilly temperatures as a cold front moves through the region. Las Vegas has a low of 62 degrees. In Flagstaff, temperatures will plummet to 39 degrees, creating a brisk environment. Cedar City is forecasted for a low of 47. Meanwhile, Phoenix stays warmer at 64 degrees.
Here’s the regional high temperature rundown for the Southwest this Thursday:
Salt Lake City will experience a high of 76 degrees, which is around seasonal averages. San Diego stays comfortable with a high of 66 degrees, while Los Angeles will reach 64 degrees.
Farther south in Phoenix, residents can expect a warm day with a high of 92 degrees, significantly above average for this time of year. Las Vegas is also heating up, with temperatures reaching 85 degrees. Over in Bakersfield, the afternoon high will be 78 degrees, while Fresno will see a warm 76 degrees.
“Expect a dynamic weather pattern across the Southwest tomorrow. California’s northern coast settles into a rainy pattern and will receive continuous rain, impacting travel. Southern California remains mostly dry with breezy conditions. Meanwhile, the interior regions, including Nevada and Arizona, will enjoy clear and sunny skies, offering a more mild break from the storms.”
The UV index in Salt Lake City for Wednesday is moderate at 5, with a burn time of approximately 27 minutes in direct sunlight. On Thursday, the UV index remains the same, at 5, so remember to apply sunscreen and wear protective gear if you’re planning to be outdoors for an extended period.