From Scorch to Soak: Tracking This Week’s Dramatic Weather Shifts in the Southwest
By
Amy Freeze
Explore how sunny highs and stormy evenings are shaping the Southwest’s weather this week with insights from meteorologist Amy Freeze.
This week, the Southwest USA sees a whirlwind of weather changes. Expect everything from blazing heat to cooling rains. Check out our daily forecast for all the details!
As we navigate through the week, expect a rollercoaster of temperatures and conditions across the Southwest. From Salt Lake City’s sunny days to San Francisco’s rain-soaked streets, each day brings new weather challenges. Join Amy Freeze as she guides you through these changes, ensuring you’re well-prepared, whether it’s sunscreen or umbrellas you’ll need!
On the Regional Radar, a band of rain is moving through California, impacting areas from San Francisco down to Los Angeles, bringing much-needed moisture to these regions. Snow is blanketing higher elevations, including regions near Reno and areas just to the west of Ely, creating the potential for travel disruptions in mountainous areas. In San Diego and Los Angeles, showers offer relief amidst mild temperatures, while Phoenix and Las Vegas continue to experience dry conditions. Cloud cover is increasing in the Salt Lake City area, indicating a possible shift in weather patterns. The skies remain clearer over Cedar City, allowing for a relatively calm start to the evening.
Afternoon temperatures in Salt Lake City range from 82 degrees at 4 PM, peaking at 85 degrees by 6 PM. Expect mostly sunny skies with a shift to partly cloudy conditions by 8 PM. Winds from the northwest maintain a light breeze, hovering around 8 to 10 miles per hour.
In the Southwest today, we’re seeing some scorching temperatures. Las Vegas reaches a high of 99 degrees, while Phoenix anticipates even warmer conditions with a high of 102 degrees. In contrast, San Diego stays cooler at 68 degrees, and Los Angeles checks in with a high of 71. Up north, Fresno and Bakersfield both hit 93 degrees, indicating a good deal of heat across the region. Flagstaff embraces milder conditions with a high of 78. It’s a classic sunny day in the Southwest, with a stark temperature contrast between coastal and desert locations.
Tonight in the Southwest, expect some cool temperatures as a cold front moves through. Las Vegas will drop to 55 degrees, while Flagstaff sees a chilly 46. Bakersfield is forecasted to hit a low of 66, and Los Angeles will rest at 60. San Francisco may cool down to 52 degrees.
High temperatures in the Southwest are set to soar above average tomorrow. Las Vegas and Phoenix will both reach a scorching 100 degrees. In California, Bakersfield and Fresno are expected to hit 93 degrees, while Los Angeles will see a more moderate high of 76 degrees. San Diego will enjoy a pleasant day, with temperatures peaking at 71 degrees. Teno is forecasted for a high of 90 degrees, contributing to the general warmth across the region.
Warm and sunny weather prevails over the Southwest tomorrow, but changes are afoot for Northern and Southern California. Northern California will experience rounds of valley rain, particularly impacting travel in the San Francisco Bay Area. Expect heavier showers across the San Bernardino Valley, creating tricky driving conditions on mountain passes. This wet pattern continues into Wednesday, with rain risks extending from Los Angeles toward San Diego.
The UV index in Salt Lake City is expected to be a high 8 on both Wednesday and Thursday, with a burn time of around 17 minutes when in direct sunlight. Be sure to wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin from sun exposure.