Catch the latest Southwest weather update with meteorologist Amy Freeze and prepare perfectly for your week ahead.

Hello, weather enthusiasts! Meteorologist Amy Freeze here with a detailed forecast for our beloved Southwest. This evening in Salt Lake City, expect a mix of conditions from sun-kissed skies to scattered showers moving inland. We’re looking at varying temperatures and perhaps some stormy surprises over the weekend. Stay tuned and prepared!
On the Regional Radar for the Southwest, scattered rain showers are making their way inland from the Pacific Ocean, with rainfall visible along the California coastline near San Francisco heading towards Fresno. Up in the northern areas near Redding, rain activities are also noticeable. Reno is experiencing scattered precipitation, while areas like Ely and Cedar City are relatively quiet with clear conditions. In contrast, Las Vegas and Phoenix remain dry, though Flagstaff might catch some light showers. The Lower Colorado River Valley, including areas towards San Diego, remains clear at the moment.
This evening in Salt Lake City, temperatures start at 77 degrees at 9 PM with a south wind at 9 mph and mostly sunny skies. By 11 PM, conditions turn clear with temperatures dropping to 70 degrees with an east wind at 9 mph. As the night progresses to 1 AM, expect it to remain clear with temperatures further dipping to 66 degrees and an east-southeast wind at 7 mph.
Tonight, the Southwest will experience a notable chill with low temperatures dipping significantly across the region. Flagstaff could see a brisk low of 31 degrees, while Ely plunges even further to 35. Las Vegas is expected to settle at 59 degrees, and in Phoenix, temperatures will fall to a mild 60. In California, temperatures remain milder; Los Angeles will see a low of 55, while San Francisco will be slightly cooler at 53. Expect those colder air masses to linger into the early morning hours.
High temperatures in the Southwest tomorrow are expected to be significantly above average. Los Angeles will reach a comfortable 63 degrees, while San Diego enjoys a warmer day at 77 degrees. Further inland, Fresno will see a high of 74 degrees, and Bakersfield gets to 72 degrees. Las Vegas is predicted to hit 70 degrees, while Phoenix could experience even higher temperatures at 81 degrees. These warm readings are influenced by a ridge of high pressure settled over the region, promoting clear skies and sunny conditions.
A significant weather shift is on the horizon for the Southwest this weekend. Expect scattered thunderstorms across Southern California and parts of Nevada from late Saturday afternoon, increasing the risk of localized flooding due to heavy rainfall. As the storm system progresses, look for cooler temperatures settling in the higher elevations of Arizona by Sunday. Strong winds accompanying the weather front may lead to hazardous driving conditions, particularly over mountainous terrain. Meanwhile, areas in the valley should be prepared for slick roads and reduced visibility.
The UV index in Salt Lake City on Saturday is a high 8, with a burn time of approximately 17 minutes under direct sunlight. Sunday sees a slight decrease to a moderate 6, extending the burn time to about 23 minutes. Remember to take sun safety measures, such as applying sunscreen and wearing a hat when outdoors!
For the 7-day outlook in Salt Lake City: Saturday: Partly cloudy with a warm high of 80 degrees and a low of 53 degrees. Sunday: Anticipate cloudy skies and a cooler day with a high of 67 degrees and a low of 49 degrees. Monday: Rain moves in early, with temperatures reaching 58 degrees for a high and dropping to 46 for the low. Tuesday: Mostly clear skies with a pleasant high of 61 degrees and a low of 45 degrees. Wednesday: Clear conditions, as temperatures climb to 69 degrees with lows near 51 degrees. Thursday: Mostly clear and warming up to a high of 76 degrees, while the low reaches 52 degrees. Friday: Partly cloudy skies round out the week with a high of 81 degrees and a low of 54 degrees. Hope that helps you plan your week!