Sweeping Skies: A Comprehensive Southwest Weather Update from Amy Freeze
By
Amy Freeze
Meteorologist Amy Freeze provides an insightful update on the varied weather conditions affecting the Southwest, from sunny California to chilly Las Vegas nights.
Join Amy Freeze as she explores the dynamic shifts in weather across the Southwest, spotlighting cities from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles.
Dive deep into the specifics of our Southwest forecast, covering scattered showers, diverse temperatures, and potential thunderstorms. Our in-depth analysis includes daily temperature trends, regional weather phenomena, and safety tips for the upcoming harsher climates.
The Southwest region is seeing some scattered showers primarily in parts of Northern California and western Nevada. Redding is experiencing light rain, while some minor precipitation is tracking through areas near Reno. Ely is witnessing a sprinkle of precipitation as well. Most of Southern California, including Los Angeles and San Diego, remains under clear skies.
This afternoon in Salt Lake City, temperatures are steady around 72 degrees at 3 PM, cooling slightly to 70 degrees by 7 PM. Expect cloudy skies throughout the afternoon, offering little sunshine. Winds shift from northwest to south-southwest, ranging from 8 to 9 miles per hour.
Today, the Southwest region is experiencing some significant temperature variation. Phoenix will see a high of 91 degrees, making it the hottest spot in the area. Las Vegas is not far behind, expected to reach 88 degrees under mostly sunny skies. Flagstaff remains cooler at 66 degrees, presenting a stark contrast to the warmer cities. Los Angeles and San Diego both hover around 63 degrees, showcasing a marine layer effect. Temperatures in Bakersfield are projected to hit 73 degrees, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
Tonight in the Southwest, we’ll see some notably low temperatures as a cold air mass sweeps through the region. Las Vegas will drop to a chilly 54 degrees, while Flagstaff braces for a near-freezing night at 31 degrees. Phoenix is milder at 60 degrees, but further north, Cedar City will only reach 29. Reno is in for a notably cool night at 37 degrees. Expect Redding to settle at 52 degrees as well.
High temperatures in the Southwest region are expected to be notably warm tomorrow, with several cities experiencing above-average conditions. Phoenix will see a high of 81 degrees, while Las Vegas warms up to 76 degrees. San Diego is projected to reach 65 degrees, and Los Angeles will be slightly cooler at 58 degrees. Fresno is likely to hit 71 degrees, providing a comfortable afternoon. Meanwhile, San Francisco will experience a cooler high of 61 degrees as weather patterns influence the coastal areas differently.
The Southwest is bracing for an unsettled weather pattern with showers expected to develop across Northern California starting early Wednesday. Look out for scattered thunderstorms and potential heavy rain down to the San Bernardino Valley, leading to slick roads and potential flooding in low-lying areas. The desert southwest remains clear and mild, providing a brief respite. As the cold front pushes eastward, more thunderstorms are expected, with local downpours likely impacting travel and outdoor activities.
The UV index in Salt Lake City will be moderate on Wednesday with a value of 3, indicating minimal sun exposure risks but keeping sun protection in mind is wise. Thursday sees a slight increase to a UV index of 4, with a potential burn time.