From Sun to Snow: Navigating This Week’s Varied Weather in the Southwest

Meteorologist Amy Freeze explores the diverse weather patterns across the Southwest, from sunny Phoenix to snowy Sierra Nevada.
Enjoy mostly sunny skies in Phoenix while parts of California brace for rain and mountain snow. Get the full weather rundown from Amy Freeze!
As the Southwest enjoys various weather patterns, from sunny Phoenix skies to unexpected showers and mountain snowfalls, Amy Freeze expertly guides you through what to expect. Today Phoenix reaches up to 83 degrees, making it the warmest in the region, while neighboring areas prepare for a significantly cooler and wetter week. For an in-depth daily and weekly forecast, visit our full blog post at https://amyfreeze.ai/ A mix of weather patterns is evident across the Southwest on this late March day. Starting on the California coast, rain showers are drifting inland from the Pacific and are set to provide some much-needed moisture to regions like Redding, San Francisco, and Fresno. Higher in the Sierra Nevada, around areas like Reno, snow is the main feature, blanketing the mountains in a fresh coat. Farther south, light rain is giving Bakersfield and Los Angeles a mild drenching, with conditions expected to clear as you travel towards San Diego. In the mountain areas around Salt Lake City, snow showers are anticipated, adding to already existing wintry conditions. As we move toward Cedar City and Flagstaff, light snow showers bring a chill, while Phoenix and Las Vegas enjoy dry and calm weather, offering a pleasant break from the rainfall elsewhere.
This afternoon in Phoenix, anticipate sunny skies with temperatures climbing from 79 degrees at 3 PM to 82 degrees by 7 PM. Expect a light to moderate breeze from the west-southwest, starting at 7 miles per hour and increasing slightly to 12 miles per hour by evening.
Let’s take a look at the high temperatures across the Southwest today. Phoenix heats up nicely with a high of 83 degrees, making it the warmest spot in the region. Just to the northwest, Las Vegas isn’t far behind at 78 degrees, enjoying plenty of sunshine. Over in Bakersfield, the sky stays clear as temperatures rise to 72 degrees. Moving to the coast, Los Angeles hits a pleasant 62 degrees, a bit cooler than some inland areas. Farther north, we see San Francisco with a high of 63 degrees, bringing a moderate day to the city. Flagstaff only reaches 56 degrees, highlighing the diverse temperature ranges in our Southwest region today.
Now for the low temperatures across the Southwest tonight. Salt Lake City will also feel the chill at 36 degrees. Moving further south, Las Vegas should expect a low of 53, while Cedar City will be colder at 30 degrees. Flagstaff rounds out the colder spots with a low of 33 degrees. Los Angeles will stay more mild at 50, and San Diego will be a touch warmer at 54.
High temperatures for the Southwest region tomorrow highlight a warm and pleasant day ahead. Las Vegas will be slightly cooler but still warm, reaching 77 degrees. Moving west, Bakersfield is forecasted to hit 71 degrees, followed closely by Fresno at 64 degrees. Coastal areas will experience milder conditions; San Diego is anticipated to reach 63 degrees, while Los Angeles will see a high of 64 degrees. Further north, San Francisco will remain cooler at 58 degrees, with Ely, Nevada expected to reach only 54 degrees.
“An active weather scenario unfolds in the Southwest. A series of Pacific storm systems will impact northern California, bringing several waves of valley rain and potential for mountain snow from Tuesday through Wednesday. Central and southern parts of California, including the San Bernardino Valley, are bracing for additional rounds of showers with possible heavy downpours, leading to hazardous conditions on the roads and mountain passes. Expect temperatures to drop, accompanied by gusty winds along the coast.”
The UV index in Phoenix is high today with a value of 8, signaling a burn time of just 17 minutes under the sun.
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