This week in the Southwest, weather patterns show a stark contrast from radiant sunshine to brisk snowfalls. Join Amy Freeze as she unpacks the details!

As we move deeper into spring, the Southwest is experiencing a rollercoaster of weather phenomena. With clear, sunny skies dominating Phoenix and unexpected snow showers cooling down Flagstaff, residents and visitors alike need to stay prepared. This detailed blog post by Amy Freeze provides essential forecasts and insights to help you navigate the week’s unpredictable weather. On the Regional Radar, we see a variety of weather conditions unfolding across the Southwest. In northern California, particularly near Redding, rain showers are making their way inland, providing a welcome respite for the area. Meanwhile, the Sierra Nevada is witnessing snowfall, affecting the Reno area with snow reaching farther south towards Fresno. Over in Nevada, Ely is experiencing snowfall, which extends into parts of western Utah, affecting areas like Salt Lake City with a wintery mix. Cedar City is observing similar snowy conditions, as the storm system passes by. In Arizona, Flagstaff sees snow showers, contributing to a more wintry atmosphere. This system is bringing moisture south into Phoenix, but the area remains mostly dry for the time being. Meanwhile, the coast of Southern California is relatively calm, with San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego enjoying clear skies, though Los Angeles might have some light drizzles scattered around.
Phoenix temperatures this afternoon range in the mid-60s, reaching up to 68 degrees by 5 PM. Expect partly cloudy skies that transition to mostly sunny by 7 PM. Winds are gentle, starting from the west-southwest at 6 miles per hour and shifting to the southwest at 7 miles per hour before settling to a westerly breeze at 6 miles per hour in the early evening. It’s a pleasant day to be outdoors, with mild temperatures and light winds.
Let’s take a look at today’s high temperatures in the Southwest region. Phoenix is enjoying a warm day with a high of 70 degrees. Meanwhile, Las Vegas sits at a cooler 63 degrees, reflecting some of that influence from the surrounding desert. In Ely, we’ve got a notably chilly high of just 43 degrees, while Flagstaff is even cooler at 37 degrees, showcasing the contrast in elevation. Across California, we have more mild temperatures, with San Diego reaching 61 degrees, Los Angeles at 66, and Bakersfield also hitting 66. It’s a pleasant day overall for the Southwest as we move deeper into spring!
Tonight, the Southwest will experience a significant drop in temperatures as cold air filters in. Ely will be particularly chilly, dipping to a brisk 21 degrees. Flagstaff also sees a bone-chilling low of 25 degrees. In Las Vegas, expect a low of 50, while nearby Cedar City will be a bit colder at 25 degrees. Over in Los Angeles, temperatures will stay mild at 50 degrees, and San Diego wraps up the night at 48 degrees. Make sure to bundle up if you’re heading out tonight!
High temperatures for the Southwest region tomorrow are shaping up to be quite warm. In Phoenix, expect a high of 73 degrees, a bit above average for this time of year. Las Vegas will see a high of 70 degrees, which is also slightly warmer than usual. In the coastal areas, San Diego will enjoy a mild high of 66 degrees, while Los Angeles warms up to 68 degrees. Bakersfield is looking at a high of 72 degrees, which is consistent with the seasonal average. Moving north, Fresno will hit 72 degrees, maintaining the trend of above-average temperatures. Over in Ely, Nevada, the high will be cooler at 46 degrees, influenced by lingering cool air from recent weather patterns.
For the Southwest tomorrow, expect a blend of weather impacts across the region. A more mild pattern persists in the desert areas with clear skies and abundant sunshine, enhancing the outdoor experience. However, for the coastal areas of Southern California, anticipate another round of rain with intermittent heavy showers, especially in the San Bernardino region, which could lead to slick roads and challenging driving conditions. Farther inland, the mountain regions remain under watch for snowfall, which could result in hazardous travel over mountain passes. Keep an eye on the cold front moving across Northern California as it ushers in more scattered rain showers through Thursday night. Prepare accordingly for any severe weather risks, as conditions stay dynamic over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Phoenix is set to experience a high UV index of 8 on both Thursday and Friday, with a burn time of approximately 17 minutes. It’s crucial to protect your skin with sunscreen and wear hats and sunglasses if you plan to be outdoors.