Chasing the Sun and Snow: A Meteorological Tour of the Southwest
By
Amy Freeze
Explore a weekend of contrasting weathers with Amy Freeze, from Phoenix’s sunny skies to the snowy peaks near Cedar City. Dive into our comprehensive forecast to make the most of your plans, whether you're soaking up the sun or chasing snowflakes.
Is it possible to enjoy both sunshine and snow over the same weekend? Absolutely! Join Amy Freeze as she covers the exceptional weather conditions sweeping across the Southwest. From the warm sun in Phoenix to the chilly snow showers in Cedar City, get all your weather updates right here!
As the Southwest gears up for a weekend filled with varying climates, Amy Freeze brings you detailed forecasts to help you plan your days effectively. In Phoenix, the weather remains predominantly sunny with mild evenings perfect for a stroll. But a short trip to higher grounds like Cedar City transforms the scene into a picturesque winter wonderland, complete with snow showers. Whether you’re planning to stay dry in desert cities or seeking snow-covered escapes, this guide covers all the critical weather updates and safety tips for a delightful weekend. Remember to pack both your sunglasses and snow boots!
The regional radar is highlighting an impressive winter storm impacting the Southwest. For those higher elevations near Cedar City, Utah, snow is currently falling, creating a scenic winter landscape. Expect snow to persist, likely accumulating throughout the day. Ely, pronounced “Eee-lie,” is experiencing the edge of this storm system with snow showers possibly developing.
Flagstaff is also on the watch for light snow showers as temperatures drop, adding a chill to the air. Over in Salt Lake City, some cloud cover is seen as this storm edges closer, though conditions remain dry for now.
In contrast, the coastal cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and up toward San Francisco are enjoying generally clear skies, though a light drizzle near Los Angeles adds an atmospheric touch without significant rainfall. Farther north, Redding also stays dry with a pleasant mix of sun and clouds. Coastal showers have been seen in the Pacific Northwest, but the main storm action remains farther east.
Keep an umbrella handy if you’re near Phoenix or Las Vegas, but don’t expect much rain. These cities are holding onto dry conditions despite the broader storm system to the north.
In Phoenix this evening, temperatures will start at 77 degrees at 9 PM, dropping to 73 degrees by 11 PM, and reaching 70 degrees by 1 AM. Expect partly cloudy skies initially, transitioning to mostly clear conditions as the night progresses. Winds will shift from west-northwest at 9 mph to east-northeast at 8 mph. Enjoy the pleasant evening under mostly clear skies!
For tonight in the Southwest region, we’re expecting a significant drop in temperatures. Ely, Nevada, will see a chilly low of 30 degrees. Las Vegas will be more mild at 52 degrees, while Cedar City drops to 34. Flagstaff will feel the cold with an overnight low of just 27 degrees. Phoenix remains warmer at 57, but prepare for a brisk night across the rest of the region. In California, Bakersfield will end the day at 54, and San Diego will settle at 50 degrees.
Tomorrow in the Southwest, we’re looking at some warm temperatures with trends leaning above average for this time of year. In California, Bakersfield will reach a high of 82 degrees, while Los Angeles will come in at 77 degrees. San Diego is also looking nice, with a high of 79 degrees.
As we move east, Las Vegas will be warm at 79 degrees, and Phoenix is expected to soar to 82 degrees. Further north, Ely will see a comfortable high of 63 degrees. In Utah, Cedar City will only hit 59 degrees, while Salt Lake City should reach about 61 degrees.
A small disturbance continues in Southern Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas overnight. But conditions will be perfect for outdoor activities into the day on Sunday. Meanwhile, in Southern California, rainfall increases as a trough of low pressure pushes a mild, yet wet pattern into the region. Expect persistent rain showers along the coast and northern mountain ranges, leading to slippery roads. A minor shift in weather patterns for the deserts, with scattered rain setting in. Move a bit north from San Diego to around Los Angeles for the chance of lingering afternoon rain. Temperatures hold near the upper 60s to low 70s, cooling slightly into the evening.
Expect a high UV index of 8 in Phoenix this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday. With a burn time of just 17 minutes, it’s essential to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you’re out and about. Keep sun exposure to a minimum, especially during peak midday hours, to prevent sunburn.
For the Phoenix 7 Day Outlook:
Saturday: Partly cloudy with a high of 79 degrees and a low of 57 degrees.
Sunday: Skies will be clear and sunny, temperatures reaching a high of 82 degrees and cooling to 58 at night.
Monday: Expect clear and sunny skies. Warm it up! Temperatures rising to an 88 degree high and going down to 61 at night.
Tuesday: Sunny, and temperatures climb higher; a high of 93 degrees and low around 64 degrees.
Wednesday: Maintaining the sunny streak with the temperature even higher at 97 degrees, and a low of 67 degrees.
Thursday: Mostly clear skies, temperatures nearing the hundred mark at a high of 100 degrees, cooling to 69 at night.
Friday: Wrapping up the week with partly cloudy skies and the week’s warmest day, reaching a high of 101 degrees and a low of 69 degrees.
Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!